on of the colonies far worse than most. In better circumstances, she would have been furloughed or at least have been reassigned to a grand position for a time. The best they could do now was to let her perform her duties on quieter shifts. There was no guarantee that it would remain quiet but at least the busier activities of training missions, fleet inspections, and inter-ship travel was minimized. Omega tapped the controls of his station to give him the output on Athena's console on one of his own screens. There was a docking request from an approaching shuttle. Nothing out of the ordinary until he noted its point of origin had been the Prison Barge. With a casual flick of his hand, Omega switched the channel of his headset to the _Galactica's_ traffic control. " - repeating, medical team to Alpha docking bay. Medical emergency. Patient has sustained internal injuries - " He glanced at Athena who was sitting bolt upright, clearly worried. She turned toward Ot had been an accident that she had allowed. She had been so frustrated with Starbuck's endless delays and evasions that she couldn't be sure she hadn't somehow unconsciously gotten herself into a situation in which a man would be forced to commit to her. "Why don't you sit down?" Tesha said kindly. Athena gratefully sank into a chair next to the desk. "Is he in a good mood this morning?" Athena asked. "He looked agitated and tired this morning, but he wasn't ranting. Well, not much, and it certainly wasn't regarding you. I think the Council has him annoyed." "Then he isn't in a good mood." Athena bit her lip. "Give him a chance." Tesha patted her hand. "I believe you might be pleasantly surprised. He was always kind to me when I was small." "I don't want him to feel obligated or - worse - trapped." "So, he is going to be a father." Tesha grinned. "No. Not if he doesn't want to. It was an accident. He shouldnPART 1 "Whoever wrote this episode should DIE!" - Gwen DeMarco THE PRESENT - _Galactica_ Omega leaned back in his chair on the _Galactica's_ bridge. Closing his eyes he listened to the sounds around him, the steady rumble of the engines, the muted electronic chatter of the consoles, the light tapping of the operators' fingers upon the controls. Listening to the ship was as instructive to him as reading the visual displays upon the screens particularly during the deep night shift when the crew's activities were subdued. It was the quiet that allowed him to hear a tiny sound, nothing more than a sharp intake of breath. He opened his eyes and looked in the direction of the sound. The glow of her screen lit Athena's face exposing her startled expression. Omega watched as Athena bit her lower lip as she listened intently to the channel she was monitoring. Not for the first time he wished he could do something to help her. She had taken the destructimega, freezing for a moment when she realized he had been watching her. "Go, I'll cover for you," Omega said quietly. "Thank you," she whispered and slipped out. In another part of the battlestar, Cassiopeia, still half- asleep, also hurried to the Life Station. Doctor Salik had woken her, cursing the med-techs on duty who had refused to assist him and apologizing to Cassie for having to summon her. As she turned a corner, she nearly collided with Athena. "I'm sorry," Cassie said automatically. She saw the look on Athena's face and reached out. "Are you all right?" "Don't let him die, please," Athena said. "Who?" Cassie asked watching Athena who shook her head and dashed back down the hallway from where she had come. "What? Athena?" Cassie started to follow and then remembered her own destination. Whatever it had been, it would have to wait. When Cassie reached the Life Station, Salik was waiting for her. "I need you to assist't have to accept the responsibility." "Didn't he accept the responsibility when he asked you to marry him?" "But that was between us. We hadn't even discussed having a family." "I think he rather expects children to be a result when two people marry." "Are you sure?" Athena asked, becoming more uncertain by the moment. "Look, he knew the consequences when you two.um.you know." "That first night we had had far too much ambrosia," Athena said, "and neither of us was thinking about the consequences, and after that, well, that line had been crossed." She trailed off. "Are you having second thoughts about accepting his proposal?" Tesha asked. "It just has all happened so fast and I don't know anymore." Athena said. "You don't know what?" A familiar lilting voice asked behind her. She cringed. Just how long had he been in the room and how much had he heard? "You've returned." Athena turned in her chairon of the colonies far worse than most. In better circumstances, she would have been furloughed or at least have been reassigned to a grand position for a time. The best they could do now was to let her perform her duties on quieter shifts. There was no guarantee that it would remain quiet but at least the busier activities of training missions, fleet inspections, and inter-ship travel was minimized. Omega tapped the controls of his station to give him the output on Athena's console on one of his own screens. There was a docking request from an approaching shuttle. Nothing out of the ordinary until he noted its point of origin had been the Prison Barge. With a casual flick of his hand, Omega switched the channel of his headset to the _Galactica's_ traffic control. " - repeating, medical team to Alpha docking bay. Medical emergency. Patient has sustained internal injuries - " He glanced at Athena who was sitting bolt upright, clearly worried. She turned toward O me in surgery," he said grimly. "I don't care who the patient is and hope you don't either." "No, of course not," Cassie managed a smile. "Someone on the Prison Barge decided to take matters into their own hands," Salik growled as he and Cassie walked into the operating room. Cassie hesitated for just an instant when she saw their patient, the most despised man in the fleet, Baltar. It instantly explained some things but not Athena's plea. THE PRESENT - _Galactica_ (continued The next morning by the ship's time, Cassie tracked down Starbuck in the Officers' Club. Naturally he was at a table with the company of Apollo and Boomer. ".he had it coming to him," Apollo was saying as Cassie stepped up to Starbuck. "It's surprising someone hadn't done it sooner." "Starbuck, I need to speak to you," Cassie leaned over and whispered to him. "Why not join us?" Starbuck said. "Alone." Cassie briefly glanced at the others who wer. He was closing the outer door to the office. He did look tired and aggravated. "What have you two been up to?" he asked, waving a handful of documents. "If this is not a good time, I can come back later." "Athena, I've missed you." His expression softened as he gazed at her. "I couldn't wait to see you and now you want to leave without even welcoming me? Your fianc‚?" "I just meant, if you're busy." "I'm never too busy not to have a few words with you." He smiled and taking her hand, assisted her to her feet. "Well, I need to have more than a few words," Athena said, blushing. "Oh?" Intrigued, he tilted his head in that manner that was becoming familiar to her. "Well, perhaps then Tesha should intercept any callers." He looked over at Tesha who nodded acknowledgment. They went into his private office and as soon as the door closed behind them, Athena faced him determined to have it done with. "I'm going to hamega, freezing for a moment when she realized he had been watching her. "Go, I'll cover for you," Omega said quietly. "Thank you," she whispered and slipped out. In another part of the battlestar, Cassiopeia, still half- asleep, also hurried to the Life Station. Doctor Salik had woken her, cursing the med-techs on duty who had refused to assist him and apologizing to Cassie for having to summon her. As she turned a corner, she nearly collided with Athena. "I'm sorry," Cassie said automatically. She saw the look on Athena's face and reached out. "Are you all right?" "Don't let him die, please," Athena said. "Who?" Cassie asked watching Athena who shook her head and dashed back down the hallway from where she had come. "What? Athena?" Cassie started to follow and then remembered her own destination. Whatever it had been, it would have to wait. When Cassie reached the Life Station, Salik was waiting for her. "I need you to assiste now curious as to Cassie's presence. "Ah, well, duty beckons, gentlemen," Starbuck said lightly. He stood and followed Cassie to a corner of the room. "Am I.er.going to like this conversation? "I don't know. You knew Athena before the destruction of the colonies." "Oh, I knew it. I'm not going to like this conversation." Starbuck moaned. "I really don't want to discuss what happened between me and Athena." "I don't want to discuss what happened between you and Athena. I want to discuss what happened between Athena and.someone else." "Frak, that's an even worse topic," Starbuck squirmed under Cassie's scrutiny. "You know something, don't you?" "Why ask me? Why don't you ask her?" "Because she looked terrible as it was. Please, Starbuck," Cassie said. "When was this?" Starbuck asked. His anxious look told Cassie that Starbuck still cared for Athena even if their relationship hadn't worked out as had been expeve your baby." "Well, of course you are." He smiled. "That I'm looking forward to." "You know?" Athena gasped, astonished. "Certainly. That's what usually happens." He laughed. "How do you know?" "Hmmm.I think it was my father who told me - " "Baltar, I'm pregnant!" she yelped. "Huh?...Now?" he asked, stunned. The documents he held slipped from his hand onto the floor. "Yes. Now." Athena looked up at him. There was an odd faraway look in his eyes as if he wasn't seeing the present. He didn't look upset, yet his preoccupation with his own thoughts was unsettling. "Baltar?" She asked timidly. "Hmm. What?" "What are you thinking?" Even if he was angry, she had to know. "I'm thinking I - we - need to redo a room." "Room? What room?" "A nursery." He said, grinning. "I haven't even seen where you live!" "That can be remedied easily." He ben me in surgery," he said grimly. "I don't care who the patient is and hope you don't either." "No, of course not," Cassie managed a smile. "Someone on the Prison Barge decided to take matters into their own hands," Salik growled as he and Cassie walked into the operating room. Cassie hesitated for just an instant when she saw their patient, the most despised man in the fleet, Baltar. It instantly explained some things but not Athena's plea. THE PRESENT - _Galactica_ (continued The next morning by the ship's time, Cassie tracked down Starbuck in the Officers' Club. Naturally he was at a table with the company of Apollo and Boomer. ".he had it coming to him," Apollo was saying as Cassie stepped up to Starbuck. "It's surprising someone hadn't done it sooner." "Starbuck, I need to speak to you," Cassie leaned over and whispered to him. "Why not join us?" Starbuck said. "Alone." Cassie briefly glanced at the others who wercted. "Last night." "What happened last night? I mean, besides the obvious." "Athena asked me to save his life. Everyone else in this fleet would have been happy to let him die, if not begging me to hasten the process. She didn't. Why?" "Oh, frak." Starbuck ran his hand through his hair. "It must have been more serious than I thought." "What was?" Cassie asked, more to confirm what she suspected than anything else. "Her and him." Starbuck smiled nervously. "Athena and Baltar. Kind of creepy sounding, isn't it?" "Perhaps now," Cassie admitted, then looked at him in surprise. "Wait, the famous Starbuck charm didn't work?" "Not so loud, Cassie." Starbuck nervously looked around at the others in room. "I have a reputation to maintain." "You lost Athena to him?" Cassie couldn't resist the opportunity to tease Starbuck. "I wouldn't say `lost'." Starbuck winced. "For Sagan's sake, he was a Councilor on tht forward and gave her a kiss. "How can you be so calm?" "Athena, I love you." He pulled her into an embrace and held her closely. "I'll admit I would have liked to have had you all to myself for a few yahrens, but if fate determines otherwise, I'll accept it. Sometimes fate's surprises are not undesirable." "You don't feel trapped?" Athena asked. "Or tricked? I don't want you to be forced into something you don't want. It wouldn't be fair to you." "I don't feel trapped," he said, comforting her. "Even if it was a trap, I would have gladly walked into your clutches. No, that's not true," he laughed softly. "I would have run eagerly into your clutches." "You're not angry?" "No. Should I be?" "I hope not," Athena whispered and rested her head on his shoulder. There was still that other matter that she ought to tell him, but she felt so exhausted that she was content to rest a moment in his arms. "Do you wante now curious as to Cassie's presence. "Ah, well, duty beckons, gentlemen," Starbuck said lightly. He stood and followed Cassie to a corner of the room. "Am I.er.going to like this conversation? "I don't know. You knew Athena before the destruction of the colonies." "Oh, I knew it. I'm not going to like this conversation." Starbuck moaned. "I really don't want to discuss what happened between me and Athena." "I don't want to discuss what happened between you and Athena. I want to discuss what happened between Athena and.someone else." "Frak, that's an even worse topic," Starbuck squirmed under Cassie's scrutiny. "You know something, don't you?" "Why ask me? Why don't you ask her?" "Because she looked terrible as it was. Please, Starbuck," Cassie said. "When was this?" Starbuck asked. His anxious look told Cassie that Starbuck still cared for Athena even if their relationship hadn't worked out as had been expee High Quorum, considered one of the most powerful men in the Colonies. How could I compete with that?" "That's never stopped you before." "He also had this niece." "Oh, I understand the problem now," Cassie said, smiling. "Cassie, there was also the problem of Athena's father." "Commander Adama? I thought you and he got along." "That's the problem," Starbuck said, fidgeting slightly. "I've always thought of him more as family and Athena more as a sister. Somehow, thinking of her as something else didn't seem right." "Especially if it hadn't worked out." "Exactly." Starbuck nodded, relieved on that point. "I.er.I'm sorry if this makes you feel comfortable." "That's all right," Cassie said, winking. "As a socialator, I've seen quite a bit. I can handle it." "Yeah, but can I?" "So what did happen between Athena and Baltar?" THE PAST - _Galactica_ That yahren it had been Caprica's turn to a baby?" he asked softly "It's just all happening so fast." "You didn't answer the question." Only when he brushed his fingers against her wet cheeks, did she realize she had been crying. "I do," she said, feeling relieved. "I do want to have a baby." "Mine?" he asked. Athena looked up into his dark eyes and again saw that underlying sadness that tempered his apparent light- heartedness. She knew then that there was no one else she'd rather be with. She felt an unspoken connection and understanding with Baltar. It was something she had never felt with Starbuck despite their yahrens of friendship. "Yes, I love you," Athena whispered to Baltar. . . [Friends and family of Adama might want to look away...] PART 8 "It is in the nature of people to turn on their leaders when they fail to be lucky." - Lord Havelock Vetinari (Jingo) THE PRESENT - _Galactica_ "Commander, Doctor Salik is on the comline," Omega said, tcted. "Last night." "What happened last night? I mean, besides the obvious." "Athena asked me to save his life. Everyone else in this fleet would have been happy to let him die, if not begging me to hasten the process. She didn't. Why?" "Oh, frak." Starbuck ran his hand through his hair. "It must have been more serious than I thought." "What was?" Cassie asked, more to confirm what she suspected than anything else. "Her and him." Starbuck smiled nervously. "Athena and Baltar. Kind of creepy sounding, isn't it?" "Perhaps now," Cassie admitted, then looked at him in surprise. "Wait, the famous Starbuck charm didn't work?" "Not so loud, Cassie." Starbuck nervously looked around at the others in room. "I have a reputation to maintain." "You lost Athena to him?" Cassie couldn't resist the opportunity to tease Starbuck. "I wouldn't say `lost'." Starbuck winced. "For Sagan's sake, he was a Councilor on thaccommodate the Council of Twelve's meeting, and along with the Councilors themselves, came their staffs and entourages, and those wishing to take advantage of such a gathering. With the news reporters and very influential persons present, the ritual gathering of the Council developed something of a social season among the rich and powerful that extended beyond individual Colonies. The Presidium in the center of Caprica City became the place for individuals to be seen and to insinuate themselves into the upper echelons of Colonial society. As the Council representative for Caprica, Adama was expected to act as host. Fortunately for Adama, this task was largely taken over by his wife, Ila, who was much more at ease with such social fripperies, and Colonel Tigh took over much of the day-to-day routine of commanding the battlestar. Ila had convinced her husband that Athena should have the opportunity to experience such an event first-hand. What better way could there be to alurning to Adama. "Please, inform him that I am on my way to the Life Station," Adama said, an irritated expression crossing his face. Omega turned back to his console to do so. He knew Adama was upset about something, but he could hardly believe it was Salik. He wondered if Siress Tinia and the Council had anything to do with it. After Adama had exchanged a few words with Colonel Tigh, Adama left the bridge to Tigh's supervision. Not 10 centons later, Athena entered the bridge. "Colonel, have you seen my father?" she asked. "I believe he has gone to the Life Station to confer with Doctor Salik," Tigh answered. Omega saw a look of horror appear on her face. "You needn't worry; he's not hurt," Tigh added, concerned. Despite his words, Athena's agitation did not lessen. "Frak!" she swore and dashed out of the bridge. While Cassiopeia knew that Adama had spoken briefly to Doctor Salik regarding Baltar, she was surprised to hear voices inse High Quorum, considered one of the most powerful men in the Colonies. How could I compete with that?" "That's never stopped you before." "He also had this niece." "Oh, I understand the problem now," Cassie said, smiling. "Cassie, there was also the problem of Athena's father." "Commander Adama? I thought you and he got along." "That's the problem," Starbuck said, fidgeting slightly. "I've always thought of him more as family and Athena more as a sister. Somehow, thinking of her as something else didn't seem right." "Especially if it hadn't worked out." "Exactly." Starbuck nodded, relieved on that point. "I.er.I'm sorry if this makes you feel comfortable." "That's all right," Cassie said, winking. "As a socialator, I've seen quite a bit. I can handle it." "Yeah, but can I?" "So what did happen between Athena and Baltar?" THE PAST - _Galactica_ That yahren it had been Caprica's turn to low Athena to observe and to learn of something other than a military environment? Just before the Council was to meet, Adama had summoned his daughter to his quarters aboard the _Galactica_. "Your're mother think this would be an unrivalled opportunity for you," Adama told Athena. "To do what? I would be of more use here." Inwardly, Athena felt that she wouldn't fit in with the high and mighty. She would be more comfortable on the battlestar which she thought of as a second home, she had been there for so long. "She wants you to be able to appreciate those aspects of Colonial society that we in the military strive to preserve." "That sounds like something the fleet commanders tell the civilians," Athena said, smiling. Even for her father, it sounded more like the expected response than a real reason. "It does," Adama conceded, "but your mother insists there is truth in it and that you have led too sheltered a life." "I don't feel likide the room they had assigned to Baltar. Intrigued by recognizing one of the voices as Adama's, she paused by the entry. "Why bother?" She heard Baltar snarl. "Why did you people even bother to waste medical treatment on me? And don't give me any of that `It was the right thing' or `It's what sets us apart from you' nonsense; you're no different." "Perhaps you're right." Adama responded in that unique deep voice. "I never trusted you when you agreed with me and I'm not about to start now. I don't want to speak to you; it hurts to breathe much less bicker with you." "There are things that need to be discussed." "So why ask me? You won't listen to me. You DIDN'T listen to me on Kobol." A note of hysteria crept into Baltar's voice. "There wasn't time." "I gave you time. I gave you a chance to salvage the Council's scheme." "It was impossible. I couldn't take that chance when another option existed." "An option baccommodate the Council of Twelve's meeting, and along with the Councilors themselves, came their staffs and entourages, and those wishing to take advantage of such a gathering. With the news reporters and very influential persons present, the ritual gathering of the Council developed something of a social season among the rich and powerful that extended beyond individual Colonies. The Presidium in the center of Caprica City became the place for individuals to be seen and to insinuate themselves into the upper echelons of Colonial society. As the Council representative for Caprica, Adama was expected to act as host. Fortunately for Adama, this task was largely taken over by his wife, Ila, who was much more at ease with such social fripperies, and Colonel Tigh took over much of the day-to-day routine of commanding the battlestar. Ila had convinced her husband that Athena should have the opportunity to experience such an event first-hand. What better way could there be to ale I've missed anything." "She thought you might say that. She's of the opinion that you wouldn't be able to realize if you had missed anything until you've had the opportunity to know what that was," he said with a hint of laughter in his deep voice. "I'd be totally at a loss. I wouldn't know how to act. What would I do?" Athena felt a growing sense of unease. She knew that despite any objections she might make, her mother had convinced her father and that as far as they were concerned the matter was settled. "Your mother can help you with the social aspects. As for what you would do, the visiting Councilors are typically assigned a liaison to assist them in coordinating their activities with their personal staffs and the Caprican government and the hosting Councilor, in this case, myself." "I would be on your staff?" "Not exactly. You would be temporarily assigned to his staff and he would provide you with specific instructions." "He?" Aased on a MYTH." "There was evidence on Kobol that it was more than a myth. You saw it," Adama insisted. "Oh, yes, I remember. Before you left me to rot." The bitterness was evident in Baltar's reply. "I didn't have any choice." "You certainly had a choice before the attack. You felt it necessary to shut me up, to discredit me." "My first priority was to keep the fleet together. I couldn't afford a political squabble distracting the fleet." "Relying on your military superiority again, but you were enough of a politician to give your fleet a scapegoat, someone to blame for the Council's failure - me." "I couldn't afford to have people questioning the military or the Council's authority. It would have caused chaos. You, of all people, should understand that." "I can understand it, but excuse me if I don't lIKE it." "For Sagan's sake, you returned on a Cylon baseship!" Adama's shout caused Cassie to jump. "low Athena to observe and to learn of something other than a military environment? Just before the Council was to meet, Adama had summoned his daughter to his quarters aboard the _Galactica_. "Your're mother think this would be an unrivalled opportunity for you," Adama told Athena. "To do what? I would be of more use here." Inwardly, Athena felt that she wouldn't fit in with the high and mighty. She would be more comfortable on the battlestar which she thought of as a second home, she had been there for so long. "She wants you to be able to appreciate those aspects of Colonial society that we in the military strive to preserve." "That sounds like something the fleet commanders tell the civilians," Athena said, smiling. Even for her father, it sounded more like the expected response than a real reason. "It does," Adama conceded, "but your mother insists there is truth in it and that you have led too sheltered a life." "I don't feel likthena asked. It appeared Adama had already determined which Councilor she would be assigned to. "The Sagitaran Councilor." A strange look of exasperation came over Adama's face. "If there is anyone I would like to keep track of, it's him." "You want me to spy on a Councilor?" Athena was surprised by the implication. "Not spy. Merely keep him to the Council's schedule. Or any schedule. He wasn't very organized at last yahren's meeting." Her father's scowl of disapproval reminded her of the look he had used to keep her and her brothers in line when she was growing up. "It would also be better if you did not mention to him that you are my daughter." "Why not?" Athena asked, confused, not sure why it would matter. "I want him to treat you fairly. Without any preconceived notions due to past dealings with me," Adama said trying to keep a neutral tone. He did not add that Ila had forbidden him to place Athena on his own staff. A few dayWhat did you expect me to do?! WALK?!" Baltar's own voice rose. A trained orator's projection and resonance vying with Adama's military bark. Cassie wondered if she should enter the room, at the very least distracting them. "Oh, frak," another voice said. Cassie turned and saw Athena hurrying through the outer door into the room. "I could hear them out in the corridor," Athena said, stopping next to Cassie. "I guess that means there hasn't been blood spilled yet." "I don't believe so," Cassie told her. In the other room, they could hear Adama's strident voice. " - you weren't making sense either then or before the destruction of the Colonies." "What's THAT suppose to mean?" Baltar snapped. "You were slipping off to clandestine meetings on Caprica with someone." There was a stunned silence. Cassie saw Athena's face go white. From the other room, Cassie heard a few odd gasping sounds as if someone was trying to catch his breath. e I've missed anything." "She thought you might say that. She's of the opinion that you wouldn't be able to realize if you had missed anything until you've had the opportunity to know what that was," he said with a hint of laughter in his deep voice. "I'd be totally at a loss. I wouldn't know how to act. What would I do?" Athena felt a growing sense of unease. She knew that despite any objections she might make, her mother had convinced her father and that as far as they were concerned the matter was settled. "Your mother can help you with the social aspects. As for what you would do, the visiting Councilors are typically assigned a liaison to assist them in coordinating their activities with their personal staffs and the Caprican government and the hosting Councilor, in this case, myself." "I would be on your staff?" "Not exactly. You would be temporarily assigned to his staff and he would provide you with specific instructions." "He?" As later, Athena had shuttled to Caprica City, and home, with her father. After Adama had acquainted her with the Council of Twelve's accommodations and operations at the Presidium while on Caprica and Ila had familiarized her with the social aspects, Athena eventually found herself standing before the door of the office suite that had been assigned to Sagitaran Councilor. With a curious mixture of expectation and reluctance, Athena tapped on a door which had been emblazoned with the silver and black emblem of the Archer of Sagitara. "Come in", a man's voice called. She opened the door and looked into an outer office. Behind a large silver-trimmed black desk sat a rather heavily built, middle-aged man who was studying several hard-copy documents and tapping a stylus absentmindedly against the desktop. She took a few steps toward him and hesitated not sure if she would be interrupting his reading. He looked up and when he saw her, he smiled, his entire expression brightening "TO MEET ATHENA, YOU IDIOT!" Baltar shrieked. "What?" Adama choked. "Yes! Her father and her reluctant flyboy were such nuisances that it was impossible for me to have an evening with her alone unless we slipped off to avoid you." "She never told me." Adama said, horrified. Cassie looked at Athena who seemed paralyzed as she listened to their conversation. "She was afraid to." Baltar said, sounding exhausted. "She wanted your approval. If she couldn't have that, she at least wanted your acceptance. Lords, she didn't even tell ME she was your daughter until just before the Armistice. Apparently you scared away any man who came close enough to speak to her." "But not you." "By the time she told me, I wasn't letting her go. By that time, if SHE had asked, I would have walked to your mythical Earth." "Why didn't you say anything?" "Adama, credit me with a little intelligence and empathy." Baltar said, fatigue and sorrow evithena asked. It appeared Adama had already determined which Councilor she would be assigned to. "The Sagitaran Councilor." A strange look of exasperation came over Adama's face. "If there is anyone I would like to keep track of, it's him." "You want me to spy on a Councilor?" Athena was surprised by the implication. "Not spy. Merely keep him to the Council's schedule. Or any schedule. He wasn't very organized at last yahren's meeting." Her father's scowl of disapproval reminded her of the look he had used to keep her and her brothers in line when she was growing up. "It would also be better if you did not mention to him that you are my daughter." "Why not?" Athena asked, confused, not sure why it would matter. "I want him to treat you fairly. Without any preconceived notions due to past dealings with me," Adama said trying to keep a neutral tone. He did not add that Ila had forbidden him to place Athena on his own staff. A few day even to a sparkle in the darkest eyes Athena had ever seen. "May I help you?" he asked in a lilting baritone, tossing the documents and stylus onto the desktop and standing. His hair was also nearly black only relieved by white at his temples, and he was wearing a nondescript gray and black outfit. "I've been assigned to be the Sagitaran's Councilor's liaison this session." "You have?" His dark brows rose and he smile widened. "Yes," she answered uneasily, feeling a stranger. "And how did I merit such good fortune?" "I don't know.oh.." She paused as she realized who she must be speaking to. "You must be Councilor Baltar." "Yes, I know who I am, but whom do I have the pleasure to welcome?" He stepped from behind the desk to join her. "Athena. I'm a lieutenant with the Caprican Fleet," "Well, Lieutenant Athena, that would explain the uniform." He gestured to her blue uniform and then gave her a mischievous grin. "Andent in his voice. "I couldn't hurt her. As much as I would have reveled in your torment, I couldn't hurt her. I'd have rather died than cause her harm." "Frak, now what do I do?" Adama sounded distracted. "Why are you asking me? You don't care what happens to me." "I care what my daughter thinks. She would never forgive me." "She is alive!" Baltar yelped, his voice wavering. "She survived Kobol." "Yes." "Where is she?" "You'd just cause her trouble. What's the purpose?" Adama's tone was almost pleading. "Adama, the purpose is that I want to speak to my wife." "Your wife?" Adama asked, shocked. In the other room, Cassie watched Athena who buried her face in her hands. "Yes, we were married the day before Athena returned to the Galactica and I left for the Council's final Armistice negotiations." "Why?" "It was simple," Baltar said, his voice slipping into that mocking tone that surels later, Athena had shuttled to Caprica City, and home, with her father. After Adama had acquainted her with the Council of Twelve's accommodations and operations at the Presidium while on Caprica and Ila had familiarized her with the social aspects, Athena eventually found herself standing before the door of the office suite that had been assigned to Sagitaran Councilor. With a curious mixture of expectation and reluctance, Athena tapped on a door which had been emblazoned with the silver and black emblem of the Archer of Sagitara. "Come in", a man's voice called. She opened the door and looked into an outer office. Behind a large silver-trimmed black desk sat a rather heavily built, middle-aged man who was studying several hard-copy documents and tapping a stylus absentmindedly against the desktop. She took a few steps toward him and hesitated not sure if she would be interrupting his reading. He looked up and when he saw her, he smiled, his entire expression brighteningd, I must say, you make it look stunning. You wouldn't even need a sidearm to bring down any man you chose." "Are you always like this?" Athena was astonished by his audacity. He was more brazen then even Starbuck. "When I decide to be," he lowered his voice as if not wanting to be overheard. "As a politician it sometimes becomes my job to cajole and flatter until I get my way." "At least you're honest about it." "Ahh.that hurt," he grimaced, but it was plainly in jest. "Surely as a politician you've been called worse." Athena's retorted lightly, feeling more relaxed now that the worst was over. "True." He nodded. "Would you like to hear what I've been called? We could make it your first job assignment to show me where to get something decent to eat," he suggested. "I suppose I have to start somewhere." She smiled and took the arm he offered her as they left his office. THE PAST - Caprica City A few days later, when y he knew would infuriate Adama. Cassie saw Athena look up worried, her face wet with tears, and step towards the door. "If something happened to me on the Council's little trip, I wanted to leave some provision for the woman I loved and our child." "Damn you!" Adama roared. Cassie followed Athena into the room to see Adama's hands around Baltar's neck. "Stop it! Stop!" Athena pleaded as both she and Cassie took a hold of Adama and pulled him back. "Athena, what are you doing here?" Both men chorused, although Baltar choked out the words with his hand at his throat. Surprised as they heard each other, they paused and then exchanged glares. "Trying to keep you two from killing each other," Cassie said. THE PAST - Caprica City "I'd like to announce to all that the Council has undertaken negotiations which, if successful, could end the war," President Adar said at the formal Council banquet held shortly after Baltar's return. Adar was standi even to a sparkle in the darkest eyes Athena had ever seen. "May I help you?" he asked in a lilting baritone, tossing the documents and stylus onto the desktop and standing. His hair was also nearly black only relieved by white at his temples, and he was wearing a nondescript gray and black outfit. "I've been assigned to be the Sagitaran's Councilor's liaison this session." "You have?" His dark brows rose and he smile widened. "Yes," she answered uneasily, feeling a stranger. "And how did I merit such good fortune?" "I don't know.oh.." She paused as she realized who she must be speaking to. "You must be Councilor Baltar." "Yes, I know who I am, but whom do I have the pleasure to welcome?" He stepped from behind the desk to join her. "Athena. I'm a lieutenant with the Caprican Fleet," "Well, Lieutenant Athena, that would explain the uniform." He gestured to her blue uniform and then gave her a mischievous grin. "AnAthena next entered the Sagitaran Councilor's outer office she found Baltar sitting behind the desk, shoulder to shoulder with a young, pretty dark-haired woman. They were both intently examining the desk's console controls. As Athena watched, he leaned over and showed his companion something on the screen, casually tapping a few keys. "See, this isn't much different than the system at home," Baltar told her. "But just enough to make me really confused," she answered with a slight Sagitaran sing-song accent. She wore a grey and rose tunic, civilian attire. "You'll get used to it in no time." He patted her hand in a familiar manner, making Athena feel as if she had intruded. She stepped back, her movement catching his attention causing Baltar to look up at her. "Athena, how nice to see you. I hadn't expected to see you today." "I can always return later if you're busy." "Busy?" He frowned, puzzled before realization set in and he gave hng at the head of the table and holding a crystal chalice filled with ambrosia. An excited and astonished murmur ran through the guests in the hall. Athena glanced to one side and was startled by the reactions of her father and her escort. Although Adama appeared outwardly pleased, Athena could tell that his smile was forced. Her mother, as always, appeared her gracious self. Between Ila and Athena, his expression carefully neutral, Baltar was looking down at the table. "I would especially commend Councilor Baltar for his exceptional efforts in undertaking these negotiations," Adar continued. He did not appear to notice the momentary wince that passed over Baltar's face at the mention of his name. "When the Armistice treaty is reality and the Colonies experience peace for the first time in a millennia, I'm sure you will be remembered by all." "I am not deserving of your praise, President," Baltar answered, standing and bowing slightly to Adar. "Any efforts on my part wd, I must say, you make it look stunning. You wouldn't even need a sidearm to bring down any man you chose." "Are you always like this?" Athena was astonished by his audacity. He was more brazen then even Starbuck. "When I decide to be," he lowered his voice as if not wanting to be overheard. "As a politician it sometimes becomes my job to cajole and flatter until I get my way." "At least you're honest about it." "Ahh.that hurt," he grimaced, but it was plainly in jest. "Surely as a politician you've been called worse." Athena's retorted lightly, feeling more relaxed now that the worst was over. "True." He nodded. "Would you like to hear what I've been called? We could make it your first job assignment to show me where to get something decent to eat," he suggested. "I suppose I have to start somewhere." She smiled and took the arm he offered her as they left his office. THE PAST - Caprica City A few days later, when er one of his merry grins. He stood and came around from behind the desk to join Athena. "Athena, allow me to introduce you to Tesha. She'll be assisting me," Baltar said, making introductions. "Tesha, this is Lieutenant Athena. She's our Council liaison this session." Tesha looked up from the console screen and smiling, gave Athena a small wave. Athena smiled in return. "Tesha is also my niece," Baltar added. "Oh, my.I feel so stupid." Athena murmured. Now that he mentioned it the family resemblance seemed obvious. "You shouldn't. I appreciate your compliment though." With his hands behind his back, he leaned in towards her, rising a bit on his toes. "Compliment? I didn't say anything." Acutely aware of his presence next to her, Athena nervously looked up at him. "You didn't need to." Baltar's voice trailed off leaving some things unspoken. "I think you're a bad influence on me." "Promise?" he asked with a slyere entirely at the behest of the Council." Athena was concerned by the strain that she could detect in his manner, the carefully controlled voice, the slight tremble of his hand, and the tightness at the corners of his mouth. She touched his hand and he glanced down at her, his eyes widening slightly, and then his smile became the delighted expression she knew as he smiled for her alone. "If anyone is remembered," he continued in a lighter tone, "it should be the entire Council and not one individual." "Your modesty is admirable," Adar said, as Baltar sank gratefully into his seat. He grasped Athena's hand and held it tightly as Adar continued, lifting his chalice. "I should think a toast is in order: To peace." The others lifted their ambrosia in return. After he had joined the communal toast, Baltar turned to Athena. "To the future," he whispered, "our future." "Yes," she agreed and giggled. She stopped when she noticed her mother watching them withAthena next entered the Sagitaran Councilor's outer office she found Baltar sitting behind the desk, shoulder to shoulder with a young, pretty dark-haired woman. They were both intently examining the desk's console controls. As Athena watched, he leaned over and showed his companion something on the screen, casually tapping a few keys. "See, this isn't much different than the system at home," Baltar told her. "But just enough to make me really confused," she answered with a slight Sagitaran sing-song accent. She wore a grey and rose tunic, civilian attire. "You'll get used to it in no time." He patted her hand in a familiar manner, making Athena feel as if she had intruded. She stepped back, her movement catching his attention causing Baltar to look up at her. "Athena, how nice to see you. I hadn't expected to see you today." "I can always return later if you're busy." "Busy?" He frowned, puzzled before realization set in and he gave h smile. "Excuse me," Tesha called out. With a wistful glance at Athena, Baltar turned back to the desk. "What priority do you want me to give to these solicitations for off grounds events." "If it has nothing to do with Council matters, send my regrets," he told her. "And Council receptions?" "Why do they do this to me?" he groaned. "They keep me trapped in a room with them all day and then think I want to spend all evening with them." "Well, what should I do with the invitations?" Tesha waited for his answer, one hand poised over the keys. "I know, let's ask our liaison. Athena, what should I do with them?" "You don't sound as if you want to go." "Although if I don't attend, I'd probably miss out on the more substantial conversations among Council members." Baltar paused considering the matter and then a sparkle appeared in his eyes. "I suppose attending would require a certain liaison to get me to the correct building o a knowing smile. "All this political talk is making me nauseous," Baltar said and took another sip of ambrosia. "Are you sure you're not having sympathy pains or something?" He raised his brows in astonishment and burst out laughing, drawing the attention of Ila and others near them. "Forgive me," he said to those near. "My last trip was very tiring." There was polite acknowledgement from the others before they returned to their own concerns. For Athena, the rest of the evening passed as if she were in a dream. It didn't seem possible that the Colonies' war with the Cylon would have ever ended, but now there was the hope that it might actually occur. The next morning, reality reasserted itself and Athena received orders from the Caprican fleet concerning her present and future assignments. Upset by her new orders, she felt she really had to talk to Baltar. Perhaps he could do something about the change in her assignment. As sher one of his merry grins. He stood and came around from behind the desk to join Athena. "Athena, allow me to introduce you to Tesha. She'll be assisting me," Baltar said, making introductions. "Tesha, this is Lieutenant Athena. She's our Council liaison this session." Tesha looked up from the console screen and smiling, gave Athena a small wave. Athena smiled in return. "Tesha is also my niece," Baltar added. "Oh, my.I feel so stupid." Athena murmured. Now that he mentioned it the family resemblance seemed obvious. "You shouldn't. I appreciate your compliment though." With his hands behind his back, he leaned in towards her, rising a bit on his toes. "Compliment? I didn't say anything." Acutely aware of his presence next to her, Athena nervously looked up at him. "You didn't need to." Baltar's voice trailed off leaving some things unspoken. "I think you're a bad influence on me." "Promise?" he asked with a slyn time." "I'm make confirmations for two then," Tesha said, already entering in the information. "Wait, how do you know?" Athena asked. "My uncle is a very good politician." Tesha winked at her. The following day saw the official start of the Council of Twelve's session. While little actual business was done, there were the requisite ceremonies of welcome and other assorted formalities which found Athena guiding her charge to various locations within the Presidium. In the afternoon, with a break in his schedule, she waited with Baltar in the inner room of the office suite that had been assigned to him. "Why do you keep checking the time?" Baltar, wearing a white robe with large double sleeves and his Councilor's medallion of office, sat in a high-backed, black chair behind a desk similar to the one in the outer room. Athena occupied a more modest chair on the other side of the desk. "You have an appointment soon. I wouldn't want you te walked through the common areas of her home on her way to the front entrance, her mother, sitting on the divan and sorting through documents, said in a casual tone: "When does the baby arrive?" "At the end of - " Athena started and then stopped in her tracks, her orders forgotten. "How did you know?" "I think having had three children myself made me notice a few things." Ila looked up and smiled. "Most noticeably the giddiness last night of whom I assume is the father." "Are you disappointed?" Athena asked as she sat next to her mother. "Only if you are, my dear. Of course, your father always thought it would be Starbuck, but I understand." "Does father know?" Athena asked, worried. "No, I haven't mentioned it to him." Ila patted Athena's hand. "He's been distracted by other things lately. No need to add others." "He'll be furious, won't he?" "Unfortunately, it appears that would be his most likely reaction. You and smile. "Excuse me," Tesha called out. With a wistful glance at Athena, Baltar turned back to the desk. "What priority do you want me to give to these solicitations for off grounds events." "If it has nothing to do with Council matters, send my regrets," he told her. "And Council receptions?" "Why do they do this to me?" he groaned. "They keep me trapped in a room with them all day and then think I want to spend all evening with them." "Well, what should I do with the invitations?" Tesha waited for his answer, one hand poised over the keys. "I know, let's ask our liaison. Athena, what should I do with them?" "You don't sound as if you want to go." "Although if I don't attend, I'd probably miss out on the more substantial conversations among Council members." Baltar paused considering the matter and then a sparkle appeared in his eyes. "I suppose attending would require a certain liaison to get me to the correct building oyour - fianc‚? husband? - may want to break the news to him over a comline." "A long one." Despite her anxiety, Athena smiled. "And after the Armistice." "Yes, I think that would be beneficial to your Councilor's health." "I know he's not Starbuck, but he isn't as terrible as all that." "I know, dear," Ila agreed. "I've tried to tell your father, but he seems reluctant to consider it. I'm hoping that it just the difference in political views and everyone will calm down once the Armistice becomes a reality." "But I thought it was already decided." "I'm afraid it's the nature of politics. As a Councilor's wife you'll learn that things are rarely what they seem." THE PAST - Caprica City (continued) "Athena, what's wrong?" Baltar asked, looking up from the console at his large black desk, as she entered his office. "I've been reassigned," she said, handing him a document and nearly falling into the chair at the desk'so be late." "That's very considerate of you, but are you such a hurry to be rid of me?" "I didn't mean to give you that impression," Athena answered demurely. "Then don't worry about the time." "I don't want you to get in trouble." "Why would I get in trouble?" he asked, curious. "The worst that could happen is someone calls and inquires as to what is keeping me." "I heard that some of the other Councilors were not pleased by your lack of timeliness at the last session." Athena fidgeted in her chair, uneasy from his line of questioning. "Really? If they did, they neglected to inform me." He leaned back in his chair behind his desk. With one hand, he idly tapped the glossy black desktop. "And it couldn't have been more than a few centons here and there." he murmured. With a sudden move, he slammed his hand flat against the desktop causing Athena to jump in her seat. "Adama! It was Adama!" he exclaimed, leaning fon time." "I'm make confirmations for two then," Tesha said, already entering in the information. "Wait, how do you know?" Athena asked. "My uncle is a very good politician." Tesha winked at her. The following day saw the official start of the Council of Twelve's session. While little actual business was done, there were the requisite ceremonies of welcome and other assorted formalities which found Athena guiding her charge to various locations within the Presidium. In the afternoon, with a break in his schedule, she waited with Baltar in the inner room of the office suite that had been assigned to him. "Why do you keep checking the time?" Baltar, wearing a white robe with large double sleeves and his Councilor's medallion of office, sat in a high-backed, black chair behind a desk similar to the one in the outer room. Athena occupied a more modest chair on the other side of the desk. "You have an appointment soon. I wouldn't want you t side. "The Council session is nearing its end." He glanced at the document she had given him. "I know, but.things have changed." "This states that you're being recalled to duty aboard the _Galactica_. Perhaps it's for the best." "How can you say that?" she protested. "Now, of all times." "Athena, it would be temporary." He set her orders aside and reached out to take her hand. "I would feel better if you were there until after the Armistice ceremony." "Why?" "I just have an uneasy feeling.if something should happen to you." "Nothing is going to happen to me. It's an Armistice," she said, bewildered by his manner. "I know, I know, but I won't be happy until it's over and done with." He tightened his hold on her hand. "If I should lose you.I can't go through that again." He shook his head and Athena could see more than sadness in his eyes, there was the glisten of unshed tears. "Then let me be with yorward. "What?" Athena asked, hardly daring to breathe. "It was he who complained about my `lack of timeliness'. He's the one who ordered you to get me to meetings on time." "I wasn't ordered," Athena protested. "I was requested to help you while you are on Caprica." There was silence as they looked at each other before his irritated expression faded. "Forgive me." He smiled apologetically. "I didn't mean to upset you." "I'm not upset. You just startled me." She relaxed, although she wondered if he hadn't found out that her father had requested that she try to keep him to Adama's standard of punctuality. "You know what?" He leaned forward resting his elbows on the desk and his chin on his hands. The white sleeves of his robe cascaded down to the glossy black desktop. "What?" "I think Adama's going to be very annoyed with me." His mischievous grin worried her. "Why?" she squeaked. "I was supposed to be at o be late." "That's very considerate of you, but are you such a hurry to be rid of me?" "I didn't mean to give you that impression," Athena answered demurely. "Then don't worry about the time." "I don't want you to get in trouble." "Why would I get in trouble?" he asked, curious. "The worst that could happen is someone calls and inquires as to what is keeping me." "I heard that some of the other Councilors were not pleased by your lack of timeliness at the last session." Athena fidgeted in her chair, uneasy from his line of questioning. "Really? If they did, they neglected to inform me." He leaned back in his chair behind his desk. With one hand, he idly tapped the glossy black desktop. "And it couldn't have been more than a few centons here and there." he murmured. With a sudden move, he slammed his hand flat against the desktop causing Athena to jump in her seat. "Adama! It was Adama!" he exclaimed, leaning fou," she pleaded. "No.not just yet.after,please." "I don't understand why you're being so evasive," Athena said, standing and abruptly breaking his hold on her hand. "I don't understand why you don't trust me." "Athena, please.just a little while longer." he said, looking up at her, imploring her understanding. "You sound just like my father!" she snapped. "Your father?" "Yes, you know him - Adama." Athena immediately regretted her words as she saw the horrified shock appear on Baltar's face. He sat in stunned silence for a long, terrible moment and then collapsed over his desk, burying his face in his hands. "Baltar, are you all right?" she asked, her frustration subsided only to have her earlier fears resurface. She leaned over and rested her hand gently on his shoulder. "Adama is your father?" he moaned, an odd tremor in his voice. "Yes." "The Caprican Councilor? That Adama?" "Yes. I'm sorry -the Council's portrait sitting about.oh." He glanced briefly at a chronometer. ".5 centons ago." "You were?" Alarmed, Athena jumped to her feet. "If we hurry - " "Athena, calm down." He interrupted her and laughed. "They're probably just bickering anyway." Deliberated unhurried, he stood and came around from behind the desk to her side. "Shall we?" He took her arm is his and strolled with her out of his office and into the corridor. "I won't let Adama get you in trouble for my.er.failure to keep time." "How can you do that?" "Diplomatic immunity." "Oh, that's fine for you. It doesn't apply to me." "I can always create a diplomatic incident," Baltar said cheerfully. "Would you like to be the cause of a diplomatic incident?" "It would have been less trouble to keep track of the time," she murmured. "Hmmm.I'm finding that very difficult when you're with me." "What do I have to do with your ability to keep time?" rward. "What?" Athena asked, hardly daring to breathe. "It was he who complained about my `lack of timeliness'. He's the one who ordered you to get me to meetings on time." "I wasn't ordered," Athena protested. "I was requested to help you while you are on Caprica." There was silence as they looked at each other before his irritated expression faded. "Forgive me." He smiled apologetically. "I didn't mean to upset you." "I'm not upset. You just startled me." She relaxed, although she wondered if he hadn't found out that her father had requested that she try to keep him to Adama's standard of punctuality. "You know what?" He leaned forward resting his elbows on the desk and his chin on his hands. The white sleeves of his robe cascaded down to the glossy black desktop. "What?" "I think Adama's going to be very annoyed with me." His mischievous grin worried her. "Why?" she squeaked. "I was supposed to be at " "You're sorry?" He raised his head slightly, looking up at her. "You wouldn't have spoken to me if you had known." "That means you're Adama's daughter." He again dropped his forehead onto the desktop, covering his eyes with his hands. "He's going to kill me." "He's not going to kill you," Athena protested. "Oh, yes, he is." "Now you're talking like every man I've ever known," Athena said miserably. Her tone made him sit up and take her hand again. "I hope not," he said, his voice steadying. "Would you have spoken to me if you had known Adama was my father?" "Of course, I would have." "The way you did? Would you have ever danced with me?" "I confess that I might not have been so - shall we say - `impetuous' when you first came into this office." He smiled evidently remembering that day. "Is this it then?" Athena asked, anticipating the inevitable excuses. There had always been an excuAthena looked up at him. He still seemed blissfully unconcerned. "Ah, you see, I enjoy your company. I'm not in a hurry to leave you in order to get trapped in a room with a bunch of inflexible bureaucrats." "But you're a member of the same Council," Athena said, bewildered by his assessment of those he should have considered his equals. "Don't remind me." He winced rather dramatically. If fact, too dramatically for it to have been other than mockery. Athena couldn't decide if he was mocking the Council or himself. "If you don't like it, why do you do it?" "Why are you a lieutenant in the Caprican fleet?" He asked, stopping as they reached the opened double doors of the Council's chamber. Athena could see the long meeting table and the emblems of the Colonies adorning the walls inside. The other Councilors, grouped in pairs and trios, were chatting amongst themselves. While most of the others wore some variation on the traditional long white robethe Council's portrait sitting about.oh." He glanced briefly at a chronometer. ".5 centons ago." "You were?" Alarmed, Athena jumped to her feet. "If we hurry - " "Athena, calm down." He interrupted her and laughed. "They're probably just bickering anyway." Deliberated unhurried, he stood and came around from behind the desk to her side. "Shall we?" He took her arm is his and strolled with her out of his office and into the corridor. "I won't let Adama get you in trouble for my.er.failure to keep time." "How can you do that?" "Diplomatic immunity." "Oh, that's fine for you. It doesn't apply to me." "I can always create a diplomatic incident," Baltar said cheerfully. "Would you like to be the cause of a diplomatic incident?" "It would have been less trouble to keep track of the time," she murmured. "Hmmm.I'm finding that very difficult when you're with me." "What do I have to do with your ability to keep time?" se. "Is what it? I don't understand." "Where you decide our relationship can't work," Athena said on the verge of tears, edging back from him. "I'll admit your reasoning is better than most with you being a Councilor and the political conflict of interest - " "No, I won't let you go." His grip on her hand tightened, restraining her. His determination was of such intensity that it frightened her and, yet at the same time, gratified her. "But you said my father was going to kill you." "Oh, well, he may when he finds out - and I assume I'm still breathing because you haven't mentioned your present condition to him - but I won't let a little thing like your father strangling me to come between us," he said lightly, standing and coming to her side. "Are you insane?" "Yes, I am." He laughed. "Isn't that part of being madly in love?" "You're not going to make excuses? Avoid me?" "If you doubt my sincerity, I'll take yous, Adama's silver-trimmed blue uniform stood out. Adama caught sight of Balltar and frowned. As he walked towards them, Athena tried to slip away but Baltar held her arm firmly in his. "Adama, pray excuse my delay," Baltar said smoothly. "Please do not fault my liaison for my failure to arrive timely. I assure you she made every effort to keep me to your schedule, however, I had to attend to some important business." "Now that you're here, we can get to our business," Adama said. "Of course, anything you wish," He agreed amiably and then turned to Athena. "I look forward to seeing you this evening for the reception. Don't forget I need your assistance." He smiled, releasing her arm and giving her a small bow. As she left, Athena could not help but notice her father's disapproving glance at Baltar. PART 3 Dancing: "a perpendicular expression of a horizontal desire, legalised by music". - George Bernard Shaw THE PRESENT - _Galactica_ Athena looked up at him. He still seemed blissfully unconcerned. "Ah, you see, I enjoy your company. I'm not in a hurry to leave you in order to get trapped in a room with a bunch of inflexible bureaucrats." "But you're a member of the same Council," Athena said, bewildered by his assessment of those he should have considered his equals. "Don't remind me." He winced rather dramatically. If fact, too dramatically for it to have been other than mockery. Athena couldn't decide if he was mocking the Council or himself. "If you don't like it, why do you do it?" "Why are you a lieutenant in the Caprican fleet?" He asked, stopping as they reached the opened double doors of the Council's chamber. Athena could see the long meeting table and the emblems of the Colonies adorning the walls inside. The other Councilors, grouped in pairs and trios, were chatting amongst themselves. While most of the others wore some variation on the traditional long white robe to the Caprica City civic offices and marry you right now." "Now? Doesn't the Council meet in a centar?" "I believe so, but I have time and even if I don't, the Council can wait for me." "You're serious," Athena said, knowing from his expression that he was. "Yes, I am. You accepted my proposal earlier. Now that WE know the terrible secret that Adama is your father, are you still willing to marry me?" "What about a formal ceremony?" "There's nothing that says we can't do that later." He smiled. "It's such - " she began, but he cut her off. "Are YOU going to let your father dictate our relationship?" he asked softly. "I don't want that to happen." "Then, shall we go?" He took her arm and left his office, saying to Tesha as they passed, "If anyone should call looking for me, please inform them I'm getting married." THE PAST - Caprica City (continued) When they returned to his office a centa It was one of those family dinners that Adama held in his quarters approximately once a secton. For Cassiopeia, this evening's gathering held a new dimension of meaning. Athena, ravishing in a white dress, appeared calm and untroubled by recent events as she acted as hostess. Cassie could not help but admire her resolve. Eventually the conversation turned to the inevitable. "I'm only sorry that they didn't finish the job," Sheba said, a hard edge to her voice. Next to her, Apollo nodded in agreement. "It certain would have saved us a lot of trouble." "Perhaps." Adama muttered from his seat at the head of the table. Cassie was now aware of something unsaid in his demeanor, a reluctance to pursue the subject. "The fleet has no need of that traitor," Apollo said bitterly. No doubt in remembrance of Serena. Cassie, knowing Athena must be affected by this talk, nudged Starbuck. "Oh.um.could we discuss something more important?s, Adama's silver-trimmed blue uniform stood out. Adama caught sight of Balltar and frowned. As he walked towards them, Athena tried to slip away but Baltar held her arm firmly in his. "Adama, pray excuse my delay," Baltar said smoothly. "Please do not fault my liaison for my failure to arrive timely. I assure you she made every effort to keep me to your schedule, however, I had to attend to some important business." "Now that you're here, we can get to our business," Adama said. "Of course, anything you wish," He agreed amiably and then turned to Athena. "I look forward to seeing you this evening for the reception. Don't forget I need your assistance." He smiled, releasing her arm and giving her a small bow. As she left, Athena could not help but notice her father's disapproving glance at Baltar. PART 3 Dancing: "a perpendicular expression of a horizontal desire, legalised by music". - George Bernard Shaw THE PRESENT - _Galactica_ r later, they were hand in hand, smiling "I take it congratulations are in order," Tesha said, looking up from her console. "You should have seen the look on the clerk's face." Athena said to her and giggled. "You'd think he had never seen anyone want a marriage contract," Baltar said merrily, waving a large envelope that he held in his free hand. "How many times does a Councilor from the High Quorum show up in the middle of the day demanding to be married?" Tesha smiled. "I did take the liberty of sending them a communiqu‚ that you were on your way. "Demand? I didn't demand, I merely requested his services," Baltar said. "You were pretty insistent when we were there." Athena tapped his chest with her finger. "You didn't want me to be late for the Council's afternoon session, did you? After all isn't that part of your job duties?" He teased her. "About that," Tesha said, "Councilor Adama did call regarding you're wherea" Starbuck said. "Such as?" Apollo asked. "Er.the upcoming triad season." Finding a suitable topic, Starbuck brightened. "There has been some talk about instituting a play-off schedule among teams throughout the fleet." "Do you really think we have that much free time?" Apollo laughed. "What else do we have to do?" Starbuck leaned back in his chair, looking more comfortable. Cassie noted that Adama seemed relieved by the change to a frivolous topic. She understood Athena's words now. These meals were primarily not for the consumption of food and drink, but to give some sort of normalcy and relief to Adama and those in attendance. "Pay attention to us?" Sheba asked Apollo, affectionately pulling his arm. "You're welcome to cheer us on," Apollo teased her. "Typically male," Cassie said feigning dissatisfaction. She glanced at Athena who seemed unperturbed yet remote. Cassie became painfully aware that Athena, sitting at the It was one of those family dinners that Adama held in his quarters approximately once a secton. For Cassiopeia, this evening's gathering held a new dimension of meaning. Athena, ravishing in a white dress, appeared calm and untroubled by recent events as she acted as hostess. Cassie could not help but admire her resolve. Eventually the conversation turned to the inevitable. "I'm only sorry that they didn't finish the job," Sheba said, a hard edge to her voice. Next to her, Apollo nodded in agreement. "It certain would have saved us a lot of trouble." "Perhaps." Adama muttered from his seat at the head of the table. Cassie was now aware of something unsaid in his demeanor, a reluctance to pursue the subject. "The fleet has no need of that traitor," Apollo said bitterly. No doubt in remembrance of Serena. Cassie, knowing Athena must be affected by this talk, nudged Starbuck. "Oh.um.could we discuss something more important?bouts." "What did you tell him?" Baltar asked. Athena froze. "That you were attending to a very important personal matter and that you would return shortly." "Thank the Lords," Athena breathed. "We're going to have to tell him sometime," Baltar told her. "My mother thinks that we'll get a better reaction if we what until after the Armistice." Athena said. "Siress Ila knows about us? And the baby?" He asked, a bit surprised. "Yes, she said you were acting.er.'giddy' the other night which confirmed her suspicions." "And she hasn't mentioned any of this to Adama?" "No, she feels that we should.over a comline," she confessed, and he laughed. "Ah, I see that Siress Ila not only shares her daughter's beauty and kindness, but her intelligence as well." Baltar nodded, and then handed the envelope to Athena. "After the Armistice, you give this to Adama, tell him he is soon to be a grandfather, and even he can't co end of the table, was alone. "Perhaps we should start a women's league." "I am not wearing that uniform." Athena stated and smiled. "Ladies, ladies, think of us," Starbuck said, leaning forward. Cassie recognized the look in his eyes. The potential for monetary gain had occurred to him. "Why should we?" Athena challenged him. "Your loyal fans would be much more attentive if you ladies wore something like our uniforms." Starbuck flashed a grin. "We have to wear them, and, Sagan knows, I could do without them." "If you want to play in the nude, feel free to do so," Athena said sweetly. "Oh, yes, we would be happy to watch that." Sheba laughed. "Think of the viewership of the matches on the IFB," Cassie added. "Think of my dignity," Starbuck pleaded. "What dignity?" the women responded in unison. Even Adama laughed at Starbuck's plight. "Apollo, help me." Starbuck looked desperate. "I'm sta" Starbuck said. "Such as?" Apollo asked. "Er.the upcoming triad season." Finding a suitable topic, Starbuck brightened. "There has been some talk about instituting a play-off schedule among teams throughout the fleet." "Do you really think we have that much free time?" Apollo laughed. "What else do we have to do?" Starbuck leaned back in his chair, looking more comfortable. Cassie noted that Adama seemed relieved by the change to a frivolous topic. She understood Athena's words now. These meals were primarily not for the consumption of food and drink, but to give some sort of normalcy and relief to Adama and those in attendance. "Pay attention to us?" Sheba asked Apollo, affectionately pulling his arm. "You're welcome to cheer us on," Apollo teased her. "Typically male," Cassie said feigning dissatisfaction. She glanced at Athena who seemed unperturbed yet remote. Cassie became painfully aware that Athena, sitting at theuntermand long-standing military regulations." "Is this why you did this?" "No. I married you because I love you," he said and gave her a quick kiss. "However, until you were married, your father could have just transferred you to some frozen wasteland on Caprica without regard to where your husband was located." "Perhaps after the Armistice he'll be more accepting," Athena said. "We'll see. Regardless, he'll have to deal with me." "Speaking of which," Tesha interrupted, "the Council is waiting." "I suppose you should go," Athena said, pushing him toward the door. "You want to be rid of me so soon?" He laughed. "The sooner you go, the sooner you'll return." PART 9 "I'm really very sorry for you all, but it's an unjust world, and virtue is triumphant only in theatrical performances." - The Mikado THE PRESENT - _Galactica_ Her thoughts in disarray and her feelings in turmoil, Athena stepped back as if tying out of it. You started it." "Some partner you are," Starbuck groused, although Cassie knew him well enough to know that he was enjoying the attention. The rest of the evening went along the same lines and Athena, acting the ever gracious hostess, saw Cassie and Starbuck to the door. "Thank you for the diversion tonight." Athena smiled. "We're glad to have provided it," Cassie replied. "If you would like to talk later." . THE PAST - Caprica City That evening, for the Council's opening night reception, Athena once again found herself hesitating before the Sagitaran Councilor's office door. Her mother had provided her advice on the appropriate attire for the occasion, but she had been wearing military uniforms for so long she still felt inappropriately dressed. She fussed a moment straightening her light-blue dress before she realized she was just using it as an excuse to delay. She took a deep breath and opened the door. "Athen end of the table, was alone. "Perhaps we should start a women's league." "I am not wearing that uniform." Athena stated and smiled. "Ladies, ladies, think of us," Starbuck said, leaning forward. Cassie recognized the look in his eyes. The potential for monetary gain had occurred to him. "Why should we?" Athena challenged him. "Your loyal fans would be much more attentive if you ladies wore something like our uniforms." Starbuck flashed a grin. "We have to wear them, and, Sagan knows, I could do without them." "If you want to play in the nude, feel free to do so," Athena said sweetly. "Oh, yes, we would be happy to watch that." Sheba laughed. "Think of the viewership of the matches on the IFB," Cassie added. "Think of my dignity," Starbuck pleaded. "What dignity?" the women responded in unison. Even Adama laughed at Starbuck's plight. "Apollo, help me." Starbuck looked desperate. "I'm stao escape. She cared for both, but was afraid of what the consequences would be if she intervened further. One or the other would be hurt by her preference, would feel rejected. For the past yahren she had supported her father who had needed it with Ila gone and the terrible responsibility he had undertaken on behalf of the fleet. On the other hand, she knew that no one would even consider Baltar as anything other than the most vile man that had ever lived. And she was the only one who knew otherwise. They both watched her waiting for her to say something. Her father struggled to contain his fury. Her husband motionless with despair furrowing his brow. Feeling trapped, she took another step back towards the door. "I can't." she whimpered, begging for someone else to resolve her impasse. She turned away weeping. "Athena, don't leave, please," she heard Baltar plead. "Let me explain - " A crash and dull thud interrupted his words. Athena stopped and a, you look beautiful," Baltar said, standing as she entered. He was wearing his white robes that distinguished him as a Councilor. "I didn't know if this was appropriate for a Council reception," she said. "I could have worn a dress uniform - " "No, no, no," he interrupted her as her walked to her side and gave her a knowing smile. "I've wanted to see you out of that uniform since I first saw you." "Councilor! What would your wife say?!" Her eyes widened and her cheeks reddened. "She won't say anything," he answered, a shadow passing over his eyes. "Sharraya was an enemy casualty 15 yarhens ago." "I.I'm sorry." Athena stammered. "I didn't mean to - " "I know you didn't. Don't apologize." Baltar said firmly, but gently, taking her arm in his. "Just allow me the pleasure of your company this evening." "I don't know how much pleasure I can be to you." "Oh.you underestimate yourself," he said leading her out of the oying out of it. You started it." "Some partner you are," Starbuck groused, although Cassie knew him well enough to know that he was enjoying the attention. The rest of the evening went along the same lines and Athena, acting the ever gracious hostess, saw Cassie and Starbuck to the door. "Thank you for the diversion tonight." Athena smiled. "We're glad to have provided it," Cassie replied. "If you would like to talk later." . THE PAST - Caprica City That evening, for the Council's opening night reception, Athena once again found herself hesitating before the Sagitaran Councilor's office door. Her mother had provided her advice on the appropriate attire for the occasion, but she had been wearing military uniforms for so long she still felt inappropriately dressed. She fussed a moment straightening her light-blue dress before she realized she was just using it as an excuse to delay. She took a deep breath and opened the door. "Athenturned back to see Baltar on the floor on his hands and knees, the white medical gown he was wearing askew, falling off one shoulder. Without thought, she dashed to him and knelt by his side. He was shaking, trying to catch his breath. She slipped her arm around his shoulders and he looked up at her with disbelief in his eyes. "Are you.are you hurt?" she asked. "I don't think so. I lost my balance," he answered. He grasped her free hand in one of his, as if needing physical contact with her. "I thought you were dead." "I.I.talked to you earlier. Don't you remember?" "I thought I was dreaming or was on the verge of dying." Athena recalled that he had been barely conscious and certainly drugged. Athena looked over her shoulder to where her father and Cassie had been standing. They had both left the room. She sighed, resigned to whatever might happen. "Your father does love you," Baltar said, catching the meaning behind her glance. "Ifffice. "By simply showing up, you've made the promise of tonight's soiree being enjoyable much more likely." "You saw me only a few centars ago." "That's all? It seemed longer. Tell me, do they still teach the cadets the old dances at the Academy?" "Yes. It seems a waste though; few people dance like that after graduating." "Would you like to make use of that portion of your training tonight?" he asked, smiling. "If I can remember." "Not to worry." With his free hand, he patted her hand that rested on his forearm. "I'll refresh you memory." The grand hall of the Presidium was crowded with those fortunate enough or obligated to attend the first major social event of the Council session. The 12 Councilors were naturally the focus of the evening, but others in high civilian, military, and administrative positions, as well as the culturally elite of society were present. The news organizations also sent their reporters wha, you look beautiful," Baltar said, standing as she entered. He was wearing his white robes that distinguished him as a Councilor. "I didn't know if this was appropriate for a Council reception," she said. "I could have worn a dress uniform - " "No, no, no," he interrupted her as her walked to her side and gave her a knowing smile. "I've wanted to see you out of that uniform since I first saw you." "Councilor! What would your wife say?!" Her eyes widened and her cheeks reddened. "She won't say anything," he answered, a shadow passing over his eyes. "Sharraya was an enemy casualty 15 yarhens ago." "I.I'm sorry." Athena stammered. "I didn't mean to - " "I know you didn't. Don't apologize." Baltar said firmly, but gently, taking her arm in his. "Just allow me the pleasure of your company this evening." "I don't know how much pleasure I can be to you." "Oh.you underestimate yourself," he said leading her out of the o he has any sense, he won't fault you for your charity." "You think so?" "I won't stand between him and you. Not now. It would be unfair to you," he said gently. "But what about you?" "It doesn't matter. Your father can take better care of you. I can't." "No, no, no," she protested. "You shouldn't have to suffer anymore for what happened." "Athena, how can you say that? Haven't you heard what they are saying about me?" "Yes, I have. They don't know you. They weren't with you before the Destruction. They didn't know the Council was attempting a pre-emptive strike before it was impossible to do so." "I never told you that much," Baltar said, intrigued by her statement. "You didn't have to. I've had a yahren to figure out what had been going on from all those Council reports I read, and remarks you - and my father - made here and there." "Ah, yes, that's right," he said and smiled. "You had access to waited like carrion avians on the sidelines for the first hint of scandal whether it be in underhanded political maneuverings or just lascivious gossip regarding any well known name. "Hmmm, I see Serena," the Councilor said as he looked out the window of their vehicle as it pulled up to the entryway. "Serena? Of the news?" Athena asked, suddenly feeling cold. "Why did I let you talk me into this?" "Oh, don't worry. I'll take care of it." He said, reassuring her and took her hand in his. "This shouldn't be difficult. It might have been with the last Council session being on Sagitara, but then I didn't need a liaison for my own Colony." Their vehicle stopped and the door was opened for them. Baltar exited and then gallantly handed out Athena onto the formal walkway to the hall's main doors. "Just look beautiful and you'll be fine," he told her, taking her arm and guiding her towards the entrance amongst the other arrivals. Before they arrivffice. "By simply showing up, you've made the promise of tonight's soiree being enjoyable much more likely." "You saw me only a few centars ago." "That's all? It seemed longer. Tell me, do they still teach the cadets the old dances at the Academy?" "Yes. It seems a waste though; few people dance like that after graduating." "Would you like to make use of that portion of your training tonight?" he asked, smiling. "If I can remember." "Not to worry." With his free hand, he patted her hand that rested on his forearm. "I'll refresh you memory." The grand hall of the Presidium was crowded with those fortunate enough or obligated to attend the first major social event of the Council session. The 12 Councilors were naturally the focus of the evening, but others in high civilian, military, and administrative positions, as well as the culturally elite of society were present. The news organizations also sent their reporters who 1/6th of the Council. Much more than most people get, even myself." "Do you really want to continue this conversation on the floor?" she asked. "I don't care where I continue it as long as it's with you." Again he smiled and Athena felt the warmth rising in her cheeks. "But aren't you uncomfortable?" "At the moment, it's a shorter distance to the floor; I'm not sure I can stand," he said. Although his shaking had subsided, Athena could feel his unsteadiness. "I'll help you back to bed," she said, supporting him as he stood. "You're welcome to join me." He seized the railing at the top end of the bed. "Oh, I see some things haven't changed." She felt herself blushing as she assisted him back into the Life Station's bed. "I just can't help it when you're with me." He laughed with something of the delighted glee she remembered and now realized she had missed. "You know you really had me worried," Athena said, sitted at the gauntlet of reporters led by Serena, he glanced at those behind him. "Councilor, I don't recognize your companion. Would you care to make an introduction?" Serena asked briskly the video operator behind her. "I would be delighted to," Baltar smiled giving her his entire attention. "I'm so glad you could make it to the opening of the Council session. It's a lovely evening, isn't it?" He gestured with his free hand, almost making contact with the man behind him. "Oh, forgive me. I shouldn't be taking up your valuable time; it's most rude to you and Sire Domra who I'm sure would be interesting to your viewers than myself. If you will excuse me.?" He gave Serena a small bow and hurried on with Athena. "That was quite a performance," Athena said. "I told you: I'm a politician." He laughed and escorted her into the hall. Inside the grand hall, a military orchestra played the expected traditional social dance numbers. These were theo waited like carrion avians on the sidelines for the first hint of scandal whether it be in underhanded political maneuverings or just lascivious gossip regarding any well known name. "Hmmm, I see Serena," the Councilor said as he looked out the window of their vehicle as it pulled up to the entryway. "Serena? Of the news?" Athena asked, suddenly feeling cold. "Why did I let you talk me into this?" "Oh, don't worry. I'll take care of it." He said, reassuring her and took her hand in his. "This shouldn't be difficult. It might have been with the last Council session being on Sagitara, but then I didn't need a liaison for my own Colony." Their vehicle stopped and the door was opened for them. Baltar exited and then gallantly handed out Athena onto the formal walkway to the hall's main doors. "Just look beautiful and you'll be fine," he told her, taking her arm and guiding her towards the entrance amongst the other arrivals. Before they arriving on the edge of the bed. Her voice rose in pitch as she continued. "Do you know how many times I thought you had been killed? Besides this last time? "No. I didn't -" "There was the Destruction of the Colonies, and then Kobol.I really didn't know what to think after Kobol." Athena was relieved to finally be able to talk to someone who could understand. "People kept saying you had done these horrible things. I just couldn't believe that, but then I would be monitoring the comline and you were behaving really strangely. And you have to admit there were times that you were rambling on like a madman." "Well, I -" "But then my father wasn't himself either. I guess a lot of us weren't.but I couldn't talk to him because I was afraid he'd be furious and he had so much on his mind already, and I couldn't talk to you because if you weren't dead then you were off on some baseship somewhere or.or.. What's so funny?" Athena finally stopped as Baltar laughed. more restrained dances of centuries past when it had been considered unseemly for a man and a woman to make physical contact on a casual basis and the dance had been a courtship ritual. Some attendees participated in these formal, polite dances, while others drifted and mingled on the sidelines pausing occasionally to partake of the food and drink set out on wide tables. Near the top of the room, the Council representative for Caprica, Adama, and his wife, Ila, acting as hosts, held court as those attending paid their respects, or made introductions for others. During a lull, Adama glanced towards the center of the hall attracted by the motion of the dancers as they moved to a three-beat pattern, a Virgonese Valse. "What is she doing here with him?" Adama growled as he noticed Baltar and Athena. "It looks like they're dancing," Ila answered pleasantly. Although white streaked her golden hair, she was still as slender and elegant as when Adama had first met her. ed at the gauntlet of reporters led by Serena, he glanced at those behind him. "Councilor, I don't recognize your companion. Would you care to make an introduction?" Serena asked briskly the video operator behind her. "I would be delighted to," Baltar smiled giving her his entire attention. "I'm so glad you could make it to the opening of the Council session. It's a lovely evening, isn't it?" He gestured with his free hand, almost making contact with the man behind him. "Oh, forgive me. I shouldn't be taking up your valuable time; it's most rude to you and Sire Domra who I'm sure would be interesting to your viewers than myself. If you will excuse me.?" He gave Serena a small bow and hurried on with Athena. "That was quite a performance," Athena said. "I told you: I'm a politician." He laughed and escorted her into the hall. Inside the grand hall, a military orchestra played the expected traditional social dance numbers. These were the "Forgive me. I can't keep up." He shook his head. "You think I'm hopeless, don't you?" "No, not at all." He reassured her. "It is all very confusing at times. I'm afraid I don't remember much after Kobol, except for being terrified most of the time." "It was confusing and a little terrifying when I'd get the comline feed and the man I married was on it raving like a maniac." "The man you married?" He asked, tilting his head slightly. "Yes, you." Athena stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the universe. "Don't you remember the ceremony at the civic offices?" "I remember that, but I thought that since the Colonies were destroyed you would have disregarding our little ceremony. I really couldn't blame you, or even hold you to it, if you had decided it was not valid." "Is that what you think of me?" "I'm just saying that you shouldn't be burdened with me and my problems after what has happened." "I prom "He shouldn't be taking advantage of her like that." "Dear, it was you who assigned Athena to be his Council liaison." "At your insistence," Adama reminded her. "Dancing isn't part of the job duties." "Leave them alone; it isn't doing you any harm." Ila smiled and sipped her ambrosia. "They do make a charming couple." "Don't even suggest that," Adama said between clenched teeth. "He's not good enough for her." "Which is exactly what my father said about you." "In that he was mistaken," Adama's expression softened and he gave a short laugh. "Couldn't you also be mistaken?" "Ila, he's a member of the Quorum. I've had dealings with him." "Ah, I see. Your political loyalties are affecting your judgment." "No. I don't trust him regardless of his political views." Adama shook his head. "So, your fatherly protectiveness is now affecting you political views," she teased. "I've never h more restrained dances of centuries past when it had been considered unseemly for a man and a woman to make physical contact on a casual basis and the dance had been a courtship ritual. Some attendees participated in these formal, polite dances, while others drifted and mingled on the sidelines pausing occasionally to partake of the food and drink set out on wide tables. Near the top of the room, the Council representative for Caprica, Adama, and his wife, Ila, acting as hosts, held court as those attending paid their respects, or made introductions for others. During a lull, Adama glanced towards the center of the hall attracted by the motion of the dancers as they moved to a three-beat pattern, a Virgonese Valse. "What is she doing here with him?" Adama growled as he noticed Baltar and Athena. "It looks like they're dancing," Ila answered pleasantly. Although white streaked her golden hair, she was still as slender and elegant as when Adama had first met her. ised you." Athena insisted firmly. "There wasn't anything about it being nullified because my husband was ranting like a maniac." "I think that's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me," Baltar said with an amazed and charmed expression. "More than `I love you'." "Isn't that what you just said?" He smiled and then glanced at the door. "I think your father needs you now. Why don't you go and see to him?" "But what about you?" "I'm not going anywhere; I'll still be here. Now, you ought to go." THE PRESENT - _Galactica_ (continued) When Athena left his room, Adama and Cassiopeia were waiting in the outer hall. Cassie could not help but notice that Athena was pale and her hand was trembling when she placed it on the wall to steady herself. "Athena, why didn't you say anything?" Adama asked, surprising gently. "I thought you would be angry.you hated him," Athena whispered faintly. "Regardless how I feel abouteard you complain about him before. I mean, not anymore than any other Quorum member." "They weren't dancing with Athena," Adama said, nearly glaring at the pair on the dance floor. As far as he was concerned, Baltar was holding Athena too closely and too comfortably. "She looks like she's enjoying herself." Ila said, following her husband's gaze. "Isn't that important to you?" "That could change." "Adama, there are no guarantees in life." Ila sighed. "Starbuck's dalliances are making her unhappy. She can't wait on him forever. Let her decide." She paused and then a sparkle appeared in her blue eyes. "Besides, you know what happens when the girl's father separates two lovers; they just elope." "Not if I can help it," Adama said alarmed and turned, starting for the dance floor. Ila seized his arm stopping him. "You stay right here." She handed him her half-filled glass. "I'll go check on them. YOU might create a diplomatic incid "He shouldn't be taking advantage of her like that." "Dear, it was you who assigned Athena to be his Council liaison." "At your insistence," Adama reminded her. "Dancing isn't part of the job duties." "Leave them alone; it isn't doing you any harm." Ila smiled and sipped her ambrosia. "They do make a charming couple." "Don't even suggest that," Adama said between clenched teeth. "He's not good enough for her." "Which is exactly what my father said about you." "In that he was mistaken," Adama's expression softened and he gave a short laugh. "Couldn't you also be mistaken?" "Ila, he's a member of the Quorum. I've had dealings with him." "Ah, I see. Your political loyalties are affecting your judgment." "No. I don't trust him regardless of his political views." Adama shook his head. "So, your fatherly protectiveness is now affecting you political views," she teased. "I've never h him, I love you. I always will. I wish you had told me." "We were.after the Armistice." Tears ran down her cheeks. "And then it didn't matter." "It did matter," Adama said, embracing her. "Your well-being matters to me." "Other things were more important.and.and.you didn't need any more problems.especially with mother gone.and." Athena's words trailed off. Cassie saw her eyelashes flutter and then her knees buckle. "Athena?" Adama asked, catching her as she fell. Quickly, Cassie assisted Adama in carrying Athena to an unoccupied room and got her onto an empty bed. Alerted by their action, Doctor Salik joined them. "Is she all right?" Adama asked Salik as he did an assessment of Athena's life signs. Cassie could hear fear and near panic in Adama's voice. "I believe so; it appears she just fainted. Cassie's told me she's been under a lot of stress lately." "For the last yahren," Adama said and sighed. "Ila was right." ent." She wended her way among the groups of people, stopping here and there to act as the gracious hostess and timing her progress so that she approached the dance floor just as the music ended. Athena's brows rose slightly as she caught sight of her mother. Ila smiled and briefly touched a finger to her lips. As she joined the pair, Baltar took Athena's arm to lead her off the dance floor. "Councilor, how are you this evening?" Ila asked smoothly. "Quite well, Siress Adama." He inclined his head in greeting to her. "I trust you are settling in for the session. I know Quorum meetings can become tedious." "That they can be," he agreed, "but I was fortunate this Council session to be granted the most charming liaison possible." He gave Athena a warm look. "Have you met my Council liaison Lieutenant Athena?" "Why, yes, I have," Ila answered. Athena recognized the undertone of amusement in her voice and she felt her own cheeks wareard you complain about him before. I mean, not anymore than any other Quorum member." "They weren't dancing with Athena," Adama said, nearly glaring at the pair on the dance floor. As far as he was concerned, Baltar was holding Athena too closely and too comfortably. "She looks like she's enjoying herself." Ila said, following her husband's gaze. "Isn't that important to you?" "That could change." "Adama, there are no guarantees in life." Ila sighed. "Starbuck's dalliances are making her unhappy. She can't wait on him forever. Let her decide." She paused and then a sparkle appeared in her blue eyes. "Besides, you know what happens when the girl's father separates two lovers; they just elope." "Not if I can help it," Adama said alarmed and turned, starting for the dance floor. Ila seized his arm stopping him. "You stay right here." She handed him her half-filled glass. "I'll go check on them. YOU might create a diplomatic incid "I'm sure Athena will be fine," Cassie said as she assisted Salik. She could now understand what Athena had told her. At the moment, Adama looked disconcerted and unsure. Not something that would lend others to have confidence in his leadership. He didn't need more trouble. "Commander, I hate to remind you of this, especially now, but I think Siress Tinia is waiting for you," Salik said. On seeing the expression on Adama's face, he added: "Don't worry about Athena. We'll look after her." "Commander, have you forgotten we had an appointment?" Siress Tinia asked as Adama entered his quarters. "No. Unfortunately I was detained by a family emergency." He greeted her cordially, having regained his composure. He assisted her to a seat at his desk and then took his own chair. "I'm sorry to her that." Tinia's voice softened. "I hope it isn't serious." "I'm not sure of its severity at the present time." "Perhaps I can be of some helm. "Are you enjoying yourself, my dear?' Ila asked. "Yes," Athena murmured. "Then I'll just let you two carry on. Good evening." "Good evening, Siress," Baltar said as Ila drifted back among the others. When she neared Adama, she could see him scowling. "Stop looking so upset, dear," she chided him as she retrieved her glass from him. "People think you're a martinet as it is." "I care what happens to our daughter." A plaintive note insinuated itself into his disapproving tone. "I understand but your zeal in protecting her intimidates the men." "What?" "Half the single men on Caprica avoid Athena because they're scared of her father." "There's always the other half." "And they think Athena is a means to an easy promotion." "That's absurd." Adama dismissed the idea with an accompanying wave of his hand. "Either way," Ila said, "she is thought of as 'Commander Adama's daughter'." ent." She wended her way among the groups of people, stopping here and there to act as the gracious hostess and timing her progress so that she approached the dance floor just as the music ended. Athena's brows rose slightly as she caught sight of her mother. Ila smiled and briefly touched a finger to her lips. As she joined the pair, Baltar took Athena's arm to lead her off the dance floor. "Councilor, how are you this evening?" Ila asked smoothly. "Quite well, Siress Adama." He inclined his head in greeting to her. "I trust you are settling in for the session. I know Quorum meetings can become tedious." "That they can be," he agreed, "but I was fortunate this Council session to be granted the most charming liaison possible." He gave Athena a warm look. "Have you met my Council liaison Lieutenant Athena?" "Why, yes, I have," Ila answered. Athena recognized the undertone of amusement in her voice and she felt her own cheeks war "She is my daughter." "You're missing the point." Ila shook her head. "I don't think Councilor Baltar knows you're her father." She sensed Adama's determination - or just plain stubbornness - rising as his jaws muscles tightened. "And you're not going to tell him." "Ila, why shouldn't I?" "Let Athena get out from under the shadow of her father and be herself for once." She took Adama's hand in hers and her voice softened. "Promise me you won't interfere. It's a hard thing for her to be your daughter, don't make it harder on her." "All right," he conceded, "but I'll be watching." "I wouldn't expect anything different." . PART 4 "What kind of Supreme Being would condone such irony?" - Burt Gummer THE PRESENT - _Galactica_ A few days after Cassiopeia had discovered Athena speaking to Baltar, the Life Station was visited by another important person. Cassie had been going about her work when Sm. "Are you enjoying yourself, my dear?' Ila asked. "Yes," Athena murmured. "Then I'll just let you two carry on. Good evening." "Good evening, Siress," Baltar said as Ila drifted back among the others. When she neared Adama, she could see him scowling. "Stop looking so upset, dear," she chided him as she retrieved her glass from him. "People think you're a martinet as it is." "I care what happens to our daughter." A plaintive note insinuated itself into his disapproving tone. "I understand but your zeal in protecting her intimidates the men." "What?" "Half the single men on Caprica avoid Athena because they're scared of her father." "There's always the other half." "And they think Athena is a means to an easy promotion." "That's absurd." Adama dismissed the idea with an accompanying wave of his hand. "Either way," Ila said, "she is thought of as 'Commander Adama's daughter'." p?" She rested her hand on his. "At the very least provide a sympathetic ear?" "It's quite complicated," Adama said and gave a short laugh. "But thank you for your offer. I may need it." "When you need it, I'll be here." Tinia smiled. "The Council does not want to hear about my family's problems." "I'm sure they don't, which is why I won't tell them," Tinia said firmly, but kindly. "In the meantime, there is that other matter the Council is concerned about." "This was about Baltar, wasn't it?" A weary look passed over Adama's face. He really did not want to discuss this. "I don't want to cause you additional aggravation, but, yes. Why is he still on the _Galactica_?" "I wish I could be rid of the man. You have no idea of how much I wish I could be rid of him." "Then why can't you? Although I can understand the need to bring him to the _Galactica_ for surgery, he ought to be sufficiently recovered to be returned to the "She is my daughter." "You're missing the point." Ila shook her head. "I don't think Councilor Baltar knows you're her father." She sensed Adama's determination - or just plain stubbornness - rising as his jaws muscles tightened. "And you're not going to tell him." "Ila, why shouldn't I?" "Let Athena get out from under the shadow of her father and be herself for once." She took Adama's hand in hers and her voice softened. "Promise me you won't interfere. It's a hard thing for her to be your daughter, don't make it harder on her." "All right," he conceded, "but I'll be watching." "I wouldn't expect anything different." . PART 4 "What kind of Supreme Being would condone such irony?" - Burt Gummer THE PRESENT - _Galactica_ A few days after Cassiopeia had discovered Athena speaking to Baltar, the Life Station was visited by another important person. Cassie had been going about her work when Siress Tinia entered and requested to speak to Doctor Salik. Unwilling to deal with the formidable Siress alone, Salik had asked Cassie to accompany them to his office. It did not take long for Tinia to dispense with the preliminaries and get to business. "The Council is curious why you should continue to use some of the _Galactica's_ scarce resources on certain patients." "Ah.I see what you're getting at," Salik said, irritated by her presence in the Life Station. This was his bailiwick, not hers. "It's not my place to determine who or who does not receive treatment. Anyone who is admitted here will medical assistance to the best of my ability." "Anyone?" Tinia asked, arching a brow. "Yes, anyone. Even you if need be." Salik paused as a new thought came to him. "I believe it was the Council who spared his life, preferring to give a life sentence rather than ordering an execution. Why did the Council not consider the fleet's resources then?" Prison Barge." "Yes, and Doctor Salik has confirmed this, but there have been a few complications that require additional attention from _Galactica_ personnel." Adama did not specify what kind of attention or which personnel. Tinia gave him a questioning look, but did not pursue details. "As long as he is on this ship, he is a security risk." "I'm aware of that." "Have you forgotten his collaboration with the Eastern Alliance? The Nomen?" Tinia asked Adama. "No, I haven't." "What kind of alliance is he trying to forge even as we speak?" Adama laughed in response to her question. "Commander, I do not find any amusement in this possibility," Tinia scolded him, making her disapproval known. "I apologize, Siress," Adama said almost meekly. "But I can assure you - and the Council - that he is not making any new alliances at the moment." THE PAST - Kobol Athena had thought he was dead, killed during theiress Tinia entered and requested to speak to Doctor Salik. Unwilling to deal with the formidable Siress alone, Salik had asked Cassie to accompany them to his office. It did not take long for Tinia to dispense with the preliminaries and get to business. "The Council is curious why you should continue to use some of the _Galactica's_ scarce resources on certain patients." "Ah.I see what you're getting at," Salik said, irritated by her presence in the Life Station. This was his bailiwick, not hers. "It's not my place to determine who or who does not receive treatment. Anyone who is admitted here will medical assistance to the best of my ability." "Anyone?" Tinia asked, arching a brow. "Yes, anyone. Even you if need be." Salik paused as a new thought came to him. "I believe it was the Council who spared his life, preferring to give a life sentence rather than ordering an execution. Why did the Council not consider the fleet's resources then?" "I can not say. I was not a member of the Council at that time." "You were when he made the infamous attempt to escape." Salik let the suggestion hang. "That was a different situation," Tinia said. "I'm sure it was," Salik growled. "I appreciate your concern, Councilor Tinia, however I will not interfere with your duties, if you do not interfere in mine." That the conversation was over with as far as Salik was concerned was evident. "Thank you for your time," Tinia said coldly and swept out of the Life Station. "She'll no doubt speak to Adama," Cassie said, watching Tinia leave. "I expect her to," Salik muttered. Without looking, Omega knew that someone had intruded upon the _Galactica's_ bridge. He could sense the change in the crew as they noticed the newcomer. Even Athena at her station seemed suddenly intent upon the information displayed on her console screen. Omega glanced at the bridge's main entrance to see a Cylon onslaught that had decimated the Colonies. Now, she had heard that, somehow, Baltar had not only survived but had arrived on Kobol. She pushed aside the tent's entrance flap and saw Baltar inside sitting alone at a table. He looked up at her, astonished by her appearance. A moment later he was on his feet and embracing her, kissing her forehead, her cheek, her lips. "Thank the Lords," he gasped and kissed her again. "You were right to have me return to the Galactica," she said. "But so wrong.the Council.I'm afraid we made such a terrible miscalculation." He tried to explain. "We thought we couldn't wait any longer.that we had to try to do something before it was impossible to do anything.I was sent to give them misleading information.something went wrong." "You can't blame yourself." Despite her words, tears blurred her vision and ran down her cheeks. "There's always a risk, even if you had decided to do nothing." "You're much to "I can not say. I was not a member of the Council at that time." "You were when he made the infamous attempt to escape." Salik let the suggestion hang. "That was a different situation," Tinia said. "I'm sure it was," Salik growled. "I appreciate your concern, Councilor Tinia, however I will not interfere with your duties, if you do not interfere in mine." That the conversation was over with as far as Salik was concerned was evident. "Thank you for your time," Tinia said coldly and swept out of the Life Station. "She'll no doubt speak to Adama," Cassie said, watching Tinia leave. "I expect her to," Salik muttered. Without looking, Omega knew that someone had intruded upon the _Galactica's_ bridge. He could sense the change in the crew as they noticed the newcomer. Even Athena at her station seemed suddenly intent upon the information displayed on her console screen. Omega glanced at the bridge's main entrance to see a tall, elegant, and, above all, authoritative woman standing there as if she owned the ship. Behind Omega, Colonel Tigh let out a tired sigh. "Just what we need: the Council." "Now, Tigh, don't go looking for trouble," Adama said. "Adama, if it's the Council, it's bound to be trouble. It comes looking for us." "Siress Tinia," Adama said cordially, walking to her. "Have you arrived for a surprise inspection on behalf of the Council?" "No. I am here - at the Council's request - to discuss a matter that has come to the attention of the Council," she said. "Urgent enough that it could not wait for the Council's next meeting?" "Commander, I would prefer to discuss this matter with you in private, away from the rest of the Council." "That's very considerate of you," Adama said. "Shall we go to my quarters?" As they left, Omega could feel the bridge crew relax. "At least we are being given warning thiso charitable." He smiled sadly and wiped her tears away. "I really wouldn't blame you and the survivors if they lynched the remaining Councilors." "There's only you and my father." "Adar and the others." He closed his eyes, sighing. "I though you had been killed also." "Perhaps I should have been - " "No! Don't say that!" she protested. "If you think I can salvage anything." He shook his head, looking defeated and tired. "You can't give up. We can't give up, please," she begged. "I'll try, for you and the baby." He said bravely, trying to smile but failed when he saw something in her expression. "I had a miscarriage," she whispered. "I'm so sorry." He embraced her tightly. "I never meant for any of this to happen. I just wanted." "You didn't know. You can't blame yourself for attempting to make life better." "You're amazing. Unfortunately others won't see it that way. They'll want some tall, elegant, and, above all, authoritative woman standing there as if she owned the ship. Behind Omega, Colonel Tigh let out a tired sigh. "Just what we need: the Council." "Now, Tigh, don't go looking for trouble," Adama said. "Adama, if it's the Council, it's bound to be trouble. It comes looking for us." "Siress Tinia," Adama said cordially, walking to her. "Have you arrived for a surprise inspection on behalf of the Council?" "No. I am here - at the Council's request - to discuss a matter that has come to the attention of the Council," she said. "Urgent enough that it could not wait for the Council's next meeting?" "Commander, I would prefer to discuss this matter with you in private, away from the rest of the Council." "That's very considerate of you," Adama said. "Shall we go to my quarters?" As they left, Omega could feel the bridge crew relax. "At least we are being given warning this time," Tigh muttered. In the portion of his quarters that functioned as an office, and after showing Tinia to a seat, Adama settled into the chair behind his desk. "I know you don't welcome my visit," Tinia said. "That's not exactly true." Adama said pleasantly. "You calling on me is quite welcome; the possibility that it involves Council business is not so welcome." "Despite their attitudes, the rest of the Council does respect you, particularly your ability to keep the fleet going." "That's very gratifying, however, I doubt you're here simply to tell me this." "Unfortunately, no. Recent events have brought up the issue of how the fleet is expending its resources." "Yes, and what exactly is the issue?" Although Adama asked, he knew he wasn't going to like where this conversation was apt to lead to. "Commander, I realize that a certain amount of compassion is admirable but at some point with limited resources, ione to blame." "I'll tell them they're wrong. We can go back to the fleet and sort it out. Just wait here. I'll be back." She gave him a quick kiss, and slipped out into the darkness. She saw Apollo heading towards the tent and ran to intercept him. Her resolve wavered when she saw the look of fury on his face, made even harsher by the hand torch he carried. "Apollo, don't make any assumptions, please." Athena said. "What are you talking about?" he snapped. "Councilor Baltar. At least, listen to what he has to say." "I don't need to hear anything he says." "You have to," Athena pleaded. "Don't you have something to attend to?" "He was as much a victim as anyone - " "Return to your duties, Lieutenant," Apollo barked, accenting her rank. "Yes, Captain," she responded in an icy voice and fled into the night leaving Baltar to his fate. [Friends and family of Apollo may want to look away... A bit more time," Tigh muttered. In the portion of his quarters that functioned as an office, and after showing Tinia to a seat, Adama settled into the chair behind his desk. "I know you don't welcome my visit," Tinia said. "That's not exactly true." Adama said pleasantly. "You calling on me is quite welcome; the possibility that it involves Council business is not so welcome." "Despite their attitudes, the rest of the Council does respect you, particularly your ability to keep the fleet going." "That's very gratifying, however, I doubt you're here simply to tell me this." "Unfortunately, no. Recent events have brought up the issue of how the fleet is expending its resources." "Yes, and what exactly is the issue?" Although Adama asked, he knew he wasn't going to like where this conversation was apt to lead to. "Commander, I realize that a certain amount of compassion is admirable but at some point with limited resources, it must be realized that certain people in the fleet are not as deserving of these resources as, frankly, personnel who contribute more to the fleet." "Is this about the perception that preferential treatment is being given to the Warriors?" "No. It's not that contentious." Tinia gave Adama a brief smile. "It's about the _Galactica's_ medical personnel expending time, medicine, and treatment on a traitor." "If I recall, the Council did not see fit to pass down a sentence of execution." Adama said carefully. "Yes, I know. Doctor Salik has pointed that out." Tinia said, now giving Adama a searching look. "I suspect you have reasons for tolerating the man. It has not escaped the present Council that you and he are the only survivors of the Council that negotiated the disastrous Armistice agreement." "I'm aware of that." Adama gave her a curt nod. "I won't ask you what happened in the past as I suspect it would not help matters, howePG-13 stuff ahead...] PART 10 "Shoot.I am begging you to shoot me!" - Gaius (*NO* RELATION) Baltar "Shoot him now! Shoot him now!" - Daffy Duck THE PRESENT - _Galactica_ Starbuck enjoyed the routine patrols as it gave him the feeling of freedom. He knew it was temporary, even illusionary, but at least he wasn't restricted to the same interior of the same ship day after day. He didn't know how the civilians coped with it. Even before the Destruction, he had heard of people forced into close quarters for long periods had developing a kind of madness. As his thoughts drifted, he scanned his instruments and the visual space around him. Apollo's viper was off to one side keeping pace with his. He wondered just how much Apollo knew regarding yesterday's events. Cassie had informed him of the confrontation between Adama and Baltar. It all sounded like one of those sordid serial dramas that the IFB ran, dramas with storylines that seemed completely unreal until t must be realized that certain people in the fleet are not as deserving of these resources as, frankly, personnel who contribute more to the fleet." "Is this about the perception that preferential treatment is being given to the Warriors?" "No. It's not that contentious." Tinia gave Adama a brief smile. "It's about the _Galactica's_ medical personnel expending time, medicine, and treatment on a traitor." "If I recall, the Council did not see fit to pass down a sentence of execution." Adama said carefully. "Yes, I know. Doctor Salik has pointed that out." Tinia said, now giving Adama a searching look. "I suspect you have reasons for tolerating the man. It has not escaped the present Council that you and he are the only survivors of the Council that negotiated the disastrous Armistice agreement." "I'm aware of that." Adama gave her a curt nod. "I won't ask you what happened in the past as I suspect it would not help matters, however, I need to be able to give the Council some rational reason before they decide to do something foolish." "I appreciate your consideration, Siress," Adama said. "Commander, I don't think this fleet can survive without your leadership." "I don't know about that." He gave a short laugh. "I think you might be able to manage the fleet quite well if need be." "Thank you for the vote of confidence," Tinia said warmly. "In the meantime, Baltar is, at the very least, a security risk while aboard this ship, no matter what his state of health." "Agreed. I will confer with Doctor Salik and get back to you as soon as possible." . THE PAST - Caprica City "Ahh.the first of the never ending reports, missives, and whatnot," Baltar said, sitting behind his desk, as Athena handed him a stack of sealed documents which she had brought from her father's office. "Weren't you expecting them?" Athena asked. "I was expectingthe bizarreness of real life proved otherwise. He wondered how much Apollo knew. Had Adama confided in his son? Had Athena said anything to her brother? Now that Starbuck mulled over things, he realized that there had been a certain distance between Apollo and Athena. He had previously dismissed it as due to the differences in age and career paths, but now he wasn't so sure. Starbuck knew that Apollo was fiercely loyal and protective of his father, more so since the Destruction. Apollo had displayed almost irrational anger when faced with the Council's or almost anyone's questioning of his father's authority or command of the fleet. Did he feel that his own sister was a threat to Adama's position? That didn't seem possible as Athena had remained silent for nearly a yahren, quietly supporting her father and providing a sense of stability and comfort to him since the loss of Siress Ila. It was only now that Starbuck truly understood and recognized how vital Ila'ver, I need to be able to give the Council some rational reason before they decide to do something foolish." "I appreciate your consideration, Siress," Adama said. "Commander, I don't think this fleet can survive without your leadership." "I don't know about that." He gave a short laugh. "I think you might be able to manage the fleet quite well if need be." "Thank you for the vote of confidence," Tinia said warmly. "In the meantime, Baltar is, at the very least, a security risk while aboard this ship, no matter what his state of health." "Agreed. I will confer with Doctor Salik and get back to you as soon as possible." . THE PAST - Caprica City "Ahh.the first of the never ending reports, missives, and whatnot," Baltar said, sitting behind his desk, as Athena handed him a stack of sealed documents which she had brought from her father's office. "Weren't you expecting them?" Athena asked. "I was expecting them. I wasn't looking forward to reading them." He laughed and set them on his desk. When she remained silent, he looked up at her with an inquiring look. Athena hesitated, unsure of what she was supposed to do next. "Is there anything else I can do?" "You can sit down for a moment," Baltar indicated a chair next to his desk. "You look so uncomfortable standing there at attention." "I didn't know I was," Athena said, sitting. "You rather remind me of Adama," Baltar mused. The morning light shone through the office's window, giving warmth to the otherwise austere room. "Why is that?" Athena asked, nervous. "You're so serious. Is it a Caprican trait? Do they ever have fun here?" "But you were complaining about attending the receptions and such.' "Those are but an extension of work; I am expected to maintain a certain decorum during them." He leaned a bit closer to her. "I thought you enjoyed last nis support had maintained her husband and family. Athena was trying to compensate, to provide that support to her father, even though it came at a cost to herself. While Adama's leadership and unswerving belief sustained the fleet, it was Athena who was making it possible for him to deal with the inhuman responsibility. And now this precarious balance was breaking down simply because Athena had been placed in a position where her loyalties conflicted and could not be reconciled. Starbuck knew how easy it had been to defer such a situation. He had made excuses to Athena before the Destruction to avoid dealing with his own conflicts. He did care for her, but as he had told Cassie, as something like a sister and he was afraid of ruining that comfort of having a family that accepted him with all his flaws if a romance with her had failed. He had to admit to himself though that because Athena was so available to him, the excitement, the challenge, and the fun of courti them. I wasn't looking forward to reading them." He laughed and set them on his desk. When she remained silent, he looked up at her with an inquiring look. Athena hesitated, unsure of what she was supposed to do next. "Is there anything else I can do?" "You can sit down for a moment," Baltar indicated a chair next to his desk. "You look so uncomfortable standing there at attention." "I didn't know I was," Athena said, sitting. "You rather remind me of Adama," Baltar mused. The morning light shone through the office's window, giving warmth to the otherwise austere room. "Why is that?" Athena asked, nervous. "You're so serious. Is it a Caprican trait? Do they ever have fun here?" "But you were complaining about attending the receptions and such.' "Those are but an extension of work; I am expected to maintain a certain decorum during them." He leaned a bit closer to her. "I thought you enjoyed last night's reception." He had seemed to enjoy it. Had she been wrong? "I did, but I had a most charming dance partner, something that is absent all too often at those functions." He smiled at her. "Did you find any pleasure in it?" "Yes," she murmured, feeling her cheeks warm. "Then.perhaps.it's something you would do again," he said, his voice dropping to velvet purr. "With me? Or is there someone else that you would prefer?" "I thought there was someone, but he doesn't seem interested." "Ah.a fool.or an unwise man.perhaps I should pity him." "Why?" "He evidently does not recognize what most men would risk their lives for." "Aren't you exaggerating?" Athena asked, almost stunned by his words. "Maybe just a bit." He smiled again, but this time with a dreamy quality. "Do you like the Caprican Councilor?" Athena asked, directing Baltar's attention away from herself. "Adama?" He said, a ratherng a woman wouldn't have been present in a romantic relationship. It was the game, and the gamble, that motivated him. It was the thrill of beating the odds and the challenge of winning the prize. A sure bet was boring. And now he realized that Adama had tried to motivate him with the challenge of competition when he had asked him to visit Athena on Caprica and distract her from Baltar. It hadn't worked because even then he knew Athena would have committed to him that night if he had asked, and not given Baltar a second thought. Baltar hadn't won Athena from him; he had folded his hand before even really looking at what cards he had been dealt. "Frak," Starbuck muttered, hitting the cockpit window with his hand. "What's wrong?" Apollo's voice came over the comline. "Nothing." "It didn't sound like nothing." "Trust me. It was nothing. I was just thinking about a losing hand that I could have won." Starbuck forced himself to prght's reception." He had seemed to enjoy it. Had she been wrong? "I did, but I had a most charming dance partner, something that is absent all too often at those functions." He smiled at her. "Did you find any pleasure in it?" "Yes," she murmured, feeling her cheeks warm. "Then.perhaps.it's something you would do again," he said, his voice dropping to velvet purr. "With me? Or is there someone else that you would prefer?" "I thought there was someone, but he doesn't seem interested." "Ah.a fool.or an unwise man.perhaps I should pity him." "Why?" "He evidently does not recognize what most men would risk their lives for." "Aren't you exaggerating?" Athena asked, almost stunned by his words. "Maybe just a bit." He smiled again, but this time with a dreamy quality. "Do you like the Caprican Councilor?" Athena asked, directing Baltar's attention away from herself. "Adama?" He said, a rather sour note in his voice. "I really couldn't say on a personal level; however, as a Councilor, he is hard to deal with. Why do you ask?" "You seem to dislike him." "You shouldn't trouble yourself with such a matter," Baltar said with some amusement. "No doubt it is in the nature of the Council itself as we each come from different backgrounds and have different goals in mind. Adama's very existence is grounded in military protocol; mine is not. Of course we're going to have conflicts." "But isn't that the purpose of the Council? To reconcile such differences between Colonies and decide on a common purpose?" "That is the ideal," he said and laughed. "Unfortunately, reality abhors ideals. I wouldn't be surprised if Adama thinks I am some villain as seen in those melodramatic theatrical works and my sole purpose in life is to thwart him." He ended with an extravagant laugh and a wild gleam in his eyes. "You know you're really scary when you dooject an air of unconcerned cheerfulness. "Athena?" "What makes you say that?" Starbuck asked, sensing something else. Had Adama said something to Apollo? "I thought maybe you and Cassie were having problems. She asked me about your relationship with Athena before the Destruction. Are you and Athena.?" "Hardly." Starbuck gave a short laugh. "She's taken." As soon as he said it, he knew he shouldn't have. There was a long silence. Starbuck wondered just how serious Athena had been about the threat she had made earlier. "Who is it?" Apollo asked in a carefully neutral tone. "Don't you know?" Starbuck responded as breezily as he could. "No. But apparently you do." "Er.I'm not sure. Why don't you ask her?" "Because I'm asking you." Apollo said, rage creeping into his voice. "It's him, isn't it?" "Him? Him who?" Starbuck knew he was closed to babbling, but he wasn't going to say the name. "The that." Athena said in a hushed voice. "Do what?" He asked innocently. "That deranged laugh. It's like you're a different person; one that scares me." "Athena, I was joking." He reassured her. "If it upsets you, I won't do it.but do you suppose it would scare the Council?" "Why? It would be childish." She also suspected it would just annoy her father. "Ah.you've never been to a meeting of the august Council of 12." "What's that suppose to mean? What does the Council do?" "I told you: we mostly argue." He gave her a conspiratorial smile. "Don't you mean 'debate'?" Athena said, still hanging on to her expectations of the Council's operations as she had been taught in school and at the Academy. "No.debating implies that someone is listening to your position and just might actually give it serious consideration." "How does anything get decided?" "We either blackmail each other or sell ea sour note in his voice. "I really couldn't say on a personal level; however, as a Councilor, he is hard to deal with. Why do you ask?" "You seem to dislike him." "You shouldn't trouble yourself with such a matter," Baltar said with some amusement. "No doubt it is in the nature of the Council itself as we each come from different backgrounds and have different goals in mind. Adama's very existence is grounded in military protocol; mine is not. Of course we're going to have conflicts." "But isn't that the purpose of the Council? To reconcile such differences between Colonies and decide on a common purpose?" "That is the ideal," he said and laughed. "Unfortunately, reality abhors ideals. I wouldn't be surprised if Adama thinks I am some villain as seen in those melodramatic theatrical works and my sole purpose in life is to thwart him." He ended with an extravagant laugh and a wild gleam in his eyes. "You know you're really scary when you dohim my father had you try to distract Athena from on Caprica." "Oh.him.uh." Starbuck was seeking for something to say when he saw Apollo's viper veer off and change direction to return to the _Galactica_. He grabbed his own controls and followed. "Apollo, don't. It won't help matters." Starbuck said, desperate to prevent things from getting worse. "This needs to be settled once and for all." Apollo sounded determined. Starbuck briefly considered if he ought to try to disable Apollo's viper but then wondered about his own sanity. [PG-13 ahead...] THE PRESENT - _Galactica_ (continued) "I missed dancing with you," Athena said to Baltar. At her father's insistence, she had spent the previous night resting in one of the small private quarters normally reserved for visitors to the Galactica. "I think I can manage that," he sat up in the bed, "if you don't mind something slow. You'll have to excuse my attire." He referred to the plain, white medical gch other out." He laughed and shrugged as if it was obvious. "WHAT?" "Athena, it's what politicians do," he said calmly, "except we call it 'supporting our esteemed colleague's position' or 'compromising'. And, of course, we all keep a running tally of who owes whom." "Do you take your position seriously?" she asked, unsettled by his casual attitude. "Of course, I do, but, my dear, it would be foolish not to take what enjoyment you can out of life," Baltar said as if he were telling Athena a secret. "Shouldn't you, as a Councilor, be beyond that?" "That's all the more reason for me to recognize the absurdities that inevitably accompany life...if only to keep matters in perspective." He smiled. "You're far too young to be so serious about things. Particularly things that you will realize are not as important as you now think they are." "How can you say that?" "How can you not consider it?" He gave her one of his q that." Athena said in a hushed voice. "Do what?" He asked innocently. "That deranged laugh. It's like you're a different person; one that scares me." "Athena, I was joking." He reassured her. "If it upsets you, I won't do it.but do you suppose it would scare the Council?" "Why? It would be childish." She also suspected it would just annoy her father. "Ah.you've never been to a meeting of the august Council of 12." "What's that suppose to mean? What does the Council do?" "I told you: we mostly argue." He gave her a conspiratorial smile. "Don't you mean 'debate'?" Athena said, still hanging on to her expectations of the Council's operations as she had been taught in school and at the Academy. "No.debating implies that someone is listening to your position and just might actually give it serious consideration." "How does anything get decided?" "We either blackmail each other or sell eaown. "It's not really too different from your Councilor's robe." Athena assisted him as he carefully placed his feet on the floor and stood, a bit unsteadily. "Are you going to make it?" "I think so, just some momentary dizziness." Baltar smiled. "Your presence always makes me a bit giddy." "Is that what happened last time?" "No, I was desperate to explain to you what happened. I really don't care what others think, but I didn't want you to think of me that way." He rested one hand on her waist and took her hand in the other. "Although I don't mind falling for you, it is hard on the knees." He gently started the familiar steps that they had done so long ago together and once again Athena felt that unspoken connection with him as she followed. "Don't leave again," Athena said. "I'd really be more trouble to you than I'm worth." Baltar shook his head. "I can't let you suffer because of me." "So you want me to suffer alone? Wituizzical smiles, almost teasing her. "It has never occurred to me," she admitted. "Of course, it hasn't. No doubt the Caprican military would disapprove of such frivolous behaviour." "You wouldn't want the Warriors to be - be - distracted, or, worse, indisposed should there be a Cylon attack." "No, I wouldn't. But I would prefer Warriors who think of life as more than a series of duties that must be met at the exclusion of all else. They are only human, are they not?" "They take pride in their service." Athena felt she had to say something to defend her comrades. "I'm sure they do," he said, and then added, with an amused glitter in his eyes, "I'm sure you do." He straightened up and took on a serious demeanour. "I trust you'll believe me when I say that we civilians appreciate and honour their commitment to their service. Remember, most of us have served in some capacity as some point." "Even you?" "Of course. Witch other out." He laughed and shrugged as if it was obvious. "WHAT?" "Athena, it's what politicians do," he said calmly, "except we call it 'supporting our esteemed colleague's position' or 'compromising'. And, of course, we all keep a running tally of who owes whom." "Do you take your position seriously?" she asked, unsettled by his casual attitude. "Of course, I do, but, my dear, it would be foolish not to take what enjoyment you can out of life," Baltar said as if he were telling Athena a secret. "Shouldn't you, as a Councilor, be beyond that?" "That's all the more reason for me to recognize the absurdities that inevitably accompany life...if only to keep matters in perspective." He smiled. "You're far too young to be so serious about things. Particularly things that you will realize are not as important as you now think they are." "How can you say that?" "How can you not consider it?" He gave her one of his qhout you?" "I really don't want to cause you any misery at all." "It's too late for that," she stated. "And that I will always regret. I wish I could have prevented it, but things went so wrong." "I know." "And that alone must have been a terrible nightmare for you." "At least it's a nightmare we share." She rested her head on his shoulder. "With you, I don't think I'm going crazy." "Is that why your father is fleeing?" "What?" Shocked, she looked up at him. "He must also agonize over the Destruction of the Colonies." He considered that line of thought. "He's not a coward - " Athena started to protest. "I'm not suggesting that and I'm not condemning his decision. Someone had to do it." Baltar reassured her. The antagonistic attitude he usually displayed when he mentioned her father was absent. "I'm just trying to understand his decision." "He felt he couldn't defend what remained. Thatuizzical smiles, almost teasing her. "It has never occurred to me," she admitted. "Of course, it hasn't. No doubt the Caprican military would disapprove of such frivolous behaviour." "You wouldn't want the Warriors to be - be - distracted, or, worse, indisposed should there be a Cylon attack." "No, I wouldn't. But I would prefer Warriors who think of life as more than a series of duties that must be met at the exclusion of all else. They are only human, are they not?" "They take pride in their service." Athena felt she had to say something to defend her comrades. "I'm sure they do," he said, and then added, with an amused glitter in his eyes, "I'm sure you do." He straightened up and took on a serious demeanour. "I trust you'll believe me when I say that we civilians appreciate and honour their commitment to their service. Remember, most of us have served in some capacity as some point." "Even you?" "Of course. With a war that has been ongoing for a thousand yahrens, I could hardly not have served. No one has been unaffected by the constant war and that is why we should remember why it is that we continue to fight to maintain our cultures and our homes. "In fact," Baltar continued, "after the losses sustained at the Cosmora Archipelago and Molecay, the Council has made it a top priority this session to reevaluate how the Colonies are handling the war. We can not continue to lose battle after battle and prevail over the Cylons in the end. At some point the Colonies will not have sufficient resources to be able to make an effective counterattack or, even, defense.then where will we be?" "I think I see your point," Athena said slowly. "There, I'm quite capable of being the solemn, serious statesman that you expect, but I'm not nearly as amusing to be with, am I?" He leaned forward, the sparkle again in his eyes. "I suppose not." She looked at him. "But should you b the best chance of survival was to seek help elsewhere." "And he may be right," he agreed. "You always seemed so opposed to him," Athena said, confused by his willingness to concede to Adama's position. "Old habits are hard to break." Baltar grinned and Athena saw some of the sparkle return to his dark eyes. "Adama and I may have seemed eternally at odds while on the Council but I think we both needed it to be that way." "But you're not on the Council anymore." "Actually.I don't think my term of office has expired and I'm sure no one had bothered to implement the required protocols to remove me from the position." Baltar laughed and leaned a little closer to her, his voice dropping to that familiar conspiratorial level. "And their little trial or condemnation or whatever they called it was a joke." "You can't mean it!" Athena gasped, nevertheless visualizing the scenario he was outlining. "No, I don't," he said gleefully. "But it h a war that has been ongoing for a thousand yahrens, I could hardly not have served. No one has been unaffected by the constant war and that is why we should remember why it is that we continue to fight to maintain our cultures and our homes. "In fact," Baltar continued, "after the losses sustained at the Cosmora Archipelago and Molecay, the Council has made it a top priority this session to reevaluate how the Colonies are handling the war. We can not continue to lose battle after battle and prevail over the Cylons in the end. At some point the Colonies will not have sufficient resources to be able to make an effective counterattack or, even, defense.then where will we be?" "I think I see your point," Athena said slowly. "There, I'm quite capable of being the solemn, serious statesman that you expect, but I'm not nearly as amusing to be with, am I?" He leaned forward, the sparkle again in his eyes. "I suppose not." She looked at him. "But should you be?" "Why not? It can be quite effective in getting my opinion heard at Council meetings. Some Councilors feel the need to drone on and on, and I'm in danger of falling asleep before they ever sum up whatever they're trying to say." "How ever do you manage to stay awake?" Athena asked, smiling. "I haven't had that problem since my thoughts have been preoccupied by a certain charming liaison." He returned her smile with one of his own. "If I'm being a distraction, perhaps, I should resign." "Haven't you been listening to me?" he asked gently taking her hand. "You provide a reason for me to take an interest in the endless ramblings heard at Council meetings. Men need some ideals to sustain their efforts." . [Friends and fans of Athena may want to look away...] THE PAST - Caprica City (continued) The following sectons established a rhythm for Athena of hand delivering confidential documents, keeping the Sagitaran stwould have been fun to see the expressions on their faces, now, wouldn't it?" "To say the very least." Athena agreed, smiling. "Ah, that's better. Your smile always made life that much better for me." "Really? Then what did this do?" Athena kissed him. Baltar stopped in mid-step as she pressed her body against his. She heard and felt his breath catch. "Made me thank the Lords for allowing me to know you," he said hoarsely. "That's all?" She gave him a flirtatious look. "No.but do you think we ought to - " "I remember something my husband once said: it would be foolish not to take what enjoyment you can out of life," she interrupted and again kissed him, lingering this time. "Athena, what if your father walks in?" he asked, glancing nervously at the doorway. "He can watch." At the med-tech's station, Cassiopeia looked up from the medical records she was updating when she heard laughter from one of thee?" "Why not? It can be quite effective in getting my opinion heard at Council meetings. Some Councilors feel the need to drone on and on, and I'm in danger of falling asleep before they ever sum up whatever they're trying to say." "How ever do you manage to stay awake?" Athena asked, smiling. "I haven't had that problem since my thoughts have been preoccupied by a certain charming liaison." He returned her smile with one of his own. "If I'm being a distraction, perhaps, I should resign." "Haven't you been listening to me?" he asked gently taking her hand. "You provide a reason for me to take an interest in the endless ramblings heard at Council meetings. Men need some ideals to sustain their efforts." . [Friends and fans of Athena may want to look away...] THE PAST - Caprica City (continued) The following sectons established a rhythm for Athena of hand delivering confidential documents, keeping the Sagitaran staff informed of Council schedules, and directing the Sagitaran Councilor to various locations in the Presidium and Caprica City. Eventually, she suspected he was denying his ability to learn the various buildings and layout of the area but she did not feel any need to ask him about this. She found herself enjoying his attention, although time became scarce due to the increasing demands that Council business were making on him. Councilor Baltar talked to her differently than any man she had ever known. Although he teased her, it was not mean-spirited, and he actually seemed to listen to what she had to say. He did not appear to mind her questions, or dismiss them as irrelevant, something which Caprican men quite often did. Unfortunately, her father became more short-tempered as the Council session proceeded and she knew from his comments that he did not approve of Baltar. Her mother assured her it was simply Council business that was causing Adama's irascible behaviour. At patient's rooms behind her. While she hadn't been able to make out words, the rhythm and the tone of the conversation had given her a good idea of what was going on. She heard other voices at the main entrance. The urgency in them made her stand and walk towards them. "Apollo, don't," Starbuck pleaded. "It won't solve anything." "Something has to be done!" Apollo snapped as he entered the room, followed by Starbuck. "Captain," Cassie addressed him, blocking his way, "our patients are not to be disturbed." Apollo stopped, hesitated on seeing the look on Cassie's face. "Come on.let's go," Starbuck caught Apollo's elbow, trying to pull him back towards the entrance. "I'll buy. Several rounds it you want." There was a silent standoff as Cassie refused to give way and Apollo's fury vied with what shreds of rational thought remained to him. Cassie heard a delighted screech from the inner rooms, and then a man's voice raised inaff informed of Council schedules, and directing the Sagitaran Councilor to various locations in the Presidium and Caprica City. Eventually, she suspected he was denying his ability to learn the various buildings and layout of the area but she did not feel any need to ask him about this. She found herself enjoying his attention, although time became scarce due to the increasing demands that Council business were making on him. Councilor Baltar talked to her differently than any man she had ever known. Although he teased her, it was not mean-spirited, and he actually seemed to listen to what she had to say. He did not appear to mind her questions, or dismiss them as irrelevant, something which Caprican men quite often did. Unfortunately, her father became more short-tempered as the Council session proceeded and she knew from his comments that he did not approve of Baltar. Her mother assured her it was simply Council business that was causing Adama's irascible behaviour. Athena would have liked to believe otherwise but she doubted Council business was the only thing that was upsetting her father. It became quite apparent the next time a reception was held in the Presidium's grand hall. That night Athena and Ila watched on the sidelines as her father again took Councilor Baltar aside with the stated purpose of discussing Council matters. "I'm afraid your father is in one of his moods tonight," Ila said. "I don't think it's helping," Athena said, noting that Baltar looked annoyed with Adama. "Have you heard from Starbuck lately?" "No, I've tried to talk to him but he always seems busy." "That's unfortunate," Ila said. "Perhaps he just needs a bit more time." "I don't think there is any amount of time that will change his mind." "It looks like your father is done chatting. Why don't you go dance with your Councilor?" "My Councilor?" Athena asked, turning to her mother. frustration. "Yargh.it would be easier to just rip the damn uniform off!" "Apollo!" Cassie and Starbuck both yelled trying to catch him as he pushed his way past and bolted for the inner rooms. A sick feeling came over Cassie as she dashed after Apollo, saw him pulling his sidearm out. "It hasn't been that long." Athena giggled, helping him with the stuck fastener at the collar of her uniform tunic. "It's been far too long." he murmured and pressed his lips to her cheek. "Is this some military secret.ah, yes." The stubborn fastener finally gave way and he freed her throat and shoulders from the obstructing fabric. Athena felt his fingers slide through her hair, caress the back of her neck. As he kissed her shoulders and throat, she arched her neck backwards surrendering to him. "Get away from her!" A sharp voice commanded. Athena looked towards the doorway to see Apollo, his face dark with fury, his gun aimed. "No!" Athena shrieked,hena would have liked to believe otherwise but she doubted Council business was the only thing that was upsetting her father. It became quite apparent the next time a reception was held in the Presidium's grand hall. That night Athena and Ila watched on the sidelines as her father again took Councilor Baltar aside with the stated purpose of discussing Council matters. "I'm afraid your father is in one of his moods tonight," Ila said. "I don't think it's helping," Athena said, noting that Baltar looked annoyed with Adama. "Have you heard from Starbuck lately?" "No, I've tried to talk to him but he always seems busy." "That's unfortunate," Ila said. "Perhaps he just needs a bit more time." "I don't think there is any amount of time that will change his mind." "It looks like your father is done chatting. Why don't you go dance with your Councilor?" "My Councilor?" Athena asked, turning to her mother. "Of course," Ila said, smiling, "you are his liaison and I think he's searching for you now." Ila nodded and Athena could see that Baltar, free from her father, was, indeed, scanning the crowd. "I'll take care of your father." As Adama paused to acknowledge another member of the Council, Athena took the opportunity to slip off. "Dear, watching them is one thing, haunting them is another." Ila said as Adama joined her. "Councilor Baltar is getting suspicious of your odd behavior." "It's not odd," Adama stated firmly. "It's perfectly normal for a concerned father." "I'll grant you that, but it's becoming painfully obvious what you're doing." "At some point, he has to know," he said, his voice rising. "Hush, dear, people are looking." Ila took his arm. "How can you remain so calm about this?" Adama looked at her. "Because I remember what it was like with my father when I met you," Ila said giving him a flirta throwing herself between the gun and Baltar. She heard the horribly loud discharge of the laser pistol, saw the room spin around her, felt the percussive shock of the bolt as it hit. PART 11 "Good... Bad... I'm the guy with the gun." - Ash THE PRESENT - _Galactica_ "Commander," Omega said suddenly, "there's been a weapon fired in the Life Station." Adama and Omega both looked over to the console where Athena normally sat. It was occupied by someone else. "Dear Lords, no." Adama breathed and ran from the command room. Silently, Tigh watched him go and assumed control of the bridge. Adama heard a woman's hysterical sobbing as the door to the Life Station slid open, the sound sending cold terror through him. He followed the sound and found Cassiopeia kneeling over Athena who was crouched on the floor, her hair falling over her face, her hands covered with blood, her uniform disheveled. "Athena, are you hurt?" Adama asked kneeling, t "Of course," Ila said, smiling, "you are his liaison and I think he's searching for you now." Ila nodded and Athena could see that Baltar, free from her father, was, indeed, scanning the crowd. "I'll take care of your father." As Adama paused to acknowledge another member of the Council, Athena took the opportunity to slip off. "Dear, watching them is one thing, haunting them is another." Ila said as Adama joined her. "Councilor Baltar is getting suspicious of your odd behavior." "It's not odd," Adama stated firmly. "It's perfectly normal for a concerned father." "I'll grant you that, but it's becoming painfully obvious what you're doing." "At some point, he has to know," he said, his voice rising. "Hush, dear, people are looking." Ila took his arm. "How can you remain so calm about this?" Adama looked at her. "Because I remember what it was like with my father when I met you," Ila said giving him a flirtatious look. "I don't worry any less than you about Athena, but I'm willing to trust her judgment." "I trust her judgment; it's his I don't trust." "Are you saying he doesn't have the judgment to recognize an intelligent and desirable woman?" She laughed. "That goes without saying," Adama said, fuming. "What are his intentions towards her?" "Oh, I suspect the same as most men's intentions," Ila said lightly, teasing him. "Him?" The thought appalled Adama, and Ila tightened her grip on his arm. "My father had the same attitude about you." "Fortunately you didn't listen to him," Adama said softly and gave her a smile relenting again to her charms. "What is it with Adama tonight?" Baltar muttered more to himself than actually asking Athena as she joined him. "He won't leave me alone. It's like he's stalking me." "Perhaps it's some Council matter." Athena suggested. She knew her father wasn't likely to be rying to ignore the red stains that marked the floor. " - it's my fault - " Athena whimpered. " - if I hadn't - hadn't - " "You fired? Why?" "No - no - " Her sobbing redoubled, shaking her whole body. "She didn't fire, sir," Cassie said quietly. Adama looked to her for an explanation, Athena being too distraught to make any sense. However the explanation could wait. "Is there anything you can do for her?" Adama asked Cassie who nodded and left. "Athena, are you hurt?" Adama asked softly, taking her hands in his. Her face was wet with tears and streaked with blood. "No," she choked, shaking her head, seeming to quiet a bit. "You didn't shoot?" "Apollo - " she started and then broke down again. Adama reached out and held her as she wept feeling as helpless to comfort her as on the day of the Destruction of the Colonies. THE PRESENT - _Galactica_ (continued) Starbuck felt odd watching the video of ttious look. "I don't worry any less than you about Athena, but I'm willing to trust her judgment." "I trust her judgment; it's his I don't trust." "Are you saying he doesn't have the judgment to recognize an intelligent and desirable woman?" She laughed. "That goes without saying," Adama said, fuming. "What are his intentions towards her?" "Oh, I suspect the same as most men's intentions," Ila said lightly, teasing him. "Him?" The thought appalled Adama, and Ila tightened her grip on his arm. "My father had the same attitude about you." "Fortunately you didn't listen to him," Adama said softly and gave her a smile relenting again to her charms. "What is it with Adama tonight?" Baltar muttered more to himself than actually asking Athena as she joined him. "He won't leave me alone. It's like he's stalking me." "Perhaps it's some Council matter." Athena suggested. She knew her father wasn't likely to be pursuing a Council matter; he was just using it as a pretense to keep Baltar occupied and away from her. "He's got ten other Councilors to harass. Why me?" Baltar frowned, his dark brows coming together and his eyes narrowing. Athena shifted in embarrassment and guilt. It had been so nice to be with someone without her father's overwhelming personality and status affecting how someone treated her, but even now her father was making his presence felt. No doubt when Baltar found out, he'd act differently, or, rather, he'd act like every man did when he discovered that Adama was her father. "Do you know you look enchanting when you blush?" he said, his frown gone, replaced by an almost reverent expression as he looked at her. "No," she answered in a small voice. "Well, you do." He looked around furtively. "Oh, good, Adar's got him occupied. Let's get out of here." He took her hand and led her quickly through the clusters of people and out through a he muted surveillance recording. While Salik and Wilker had forbidden guards, Warriors and Council Security both, on the grounds it would be disruptive to other patients and Baltar wasn't going anywhere anyway, they had allowed the surveillance pickups. Now, in Adama's quarters, watching it, Starbuck was surprised by just how captivating Athena's smile was. He also suspected Adama had muted the audio, after hearing whatever it was that Athena and Baltar had discussed, reluctant to make that information known to others. However, it was quite clear by their actions that they were making up for lost time. Starbuck felt almost like a voyeur until Athena and Baltar were interrupted by Apollo. On the console screen, Starbuck again watched as Athena threw herself between Apollo and Baltar, and then Baltar, without hesitation and using Athena's momentum turned her away, shielding her from Apollo. It was as smooth as any turn Starbuck had seen them execute on the dance floor on pursuing a Council matter; he was just using it as a pretense to keep Baltar occupied and away from her. "He's got ten other Councilors to harass. Why me?" Baltar frowned, his dark brows coming together and his eyes narrowing. Athena shifted in embarrassment and guilt. It had been so nice to be with someone without her father's overwhelming personality and status affecting how someone treated her, but even now her father was making his presence felt. No doubt when Baltar found out, he'd act differently, or, rather, he'd act like every man did when he discovered that Adama was her father. "Do you know you look enchanting when you blush?" he said, his frown gone, replaced by an almost reverent expression as he looked at her. "No," she answered in a small voice. "Well, you do." He looked around furtively. "Oh, good, Adar's got him occupied. Let's get out of here." He took her hand and led her quickly through the clusters of people and out through a side door. "I haven't felt like this since I was a cadet and sneaking out of the Academy for a late night drink." "Really?" Athena couldn't help but giggle. "Didn't you ever do it?" They paused as they entered a side corridor and he got his bearings. "Once or twice." She didn't add that as Adama's daughter it had made it that much harder for her to escape for a few centars. "Here I am supposedly one of the most influential people in the Colonies and I have to resort to this to get an evening alone with you. This way." They started down the corridor at a quick pace. "Where are we going?" "To my embassy. I doubt if Adama will follow us there, and if he does, I'll have him barred at the door." As they reached the entrance hall, he slowed to make sure it was clear before leading her through. At the doorway he informed the attendant to call his groundcar. "We'll wait outside for it," he finished, leading Athena out of the Presidium'sCaprica. In doing so, Baltar had allowed himself to take the full force of Apollo's shot knowing that, barring a miracle, it was certain to be fatal. Starbuck again saw the horrified and panicked look on Athena's face as she realized what had happened. As Baltar fell to his knees, taking Athena with him, a dark stain appeared on the gown he wore, near his right shoulder and spreading down his back. Feeling a twinge of envy, Starbuck realized Baltar had sacrificed himself to keep Athena from doing the same for him. It didn't seem to be a consistent action for a man thought to have committed treason for his own gain. "No, it doesn't,", Adama said, sitting behind the desk and bringing Starbuck out of his reverie. He hadn't realized he had spoken his thoughts aloud. "Starbuck, you saw what he was doing to Athena," Apollo said, standing next to him. "Apollo, the man barely had strength to do more than stand." Starbuck turned to Apollo. "If Athena hadside door. "I haven't felt like this since I was a cadet and sneaking out of the Academy for a late night drink." "Really?" Athena couldn't help but giggle. "Didn't you ever do it?" They paused as they entered a side corridor and he got his bearings. "Once or twice." She didn't add that as Adama's daughter it had made it that much harder for her to escape for a few centars. "Here I am supposedly one of the most influential people in the Colonies and I have to resort to this to get an evening alone with you. This way." They started down the corridor at a quick pace. "Where are we going?" "To my embassy. I doubt if Adama will follow us there, and if he does, I'll have him barred at the door." As they reached the entrance hall, he slowed to make sure it was clear before leading her through. At the doorway he informed the attendant to call his groundcar. "We'll wait outside for it," he finished, leading Athena out of the Presidium's grand hall and to an alcove shadowed by ornamental trees. "Don't you think Council security might think it's odd for you to be sneaking around in the greenery?" Athena asked, strangely exhilarated in the night shadows next to him. "If they do, I'll just show them this." He tapped his medallion of office. He was still keeping a watch on other people exiting the building and on the lookout for the groundcar. When the black, sleek car with its small silver and black flags fluttering at the front corners pulled up, he tugged Athena's hand. "Hurry, let's go before the Caprican fleet catches up with us." "You've become quiet. Is anything wrong?" Athena asked later that evening as she and Baltar strolled along the garden pathways behind the Sagitaran embassy. Behind her, she could the muted music and the muffled society chatter escaping into the night air from the open veranda doors of the building. It was a more modest gathering then that being held at the Presi wanted, she could have easily disabled him." "Are you saying she welcomed his.his.attentions?" "Er.I think it was pretty clear that she encouraged him." Starbuck said, nodding towards the console screen. "How can you say that?" "Look, Apollo, you called his bluff and he showed you his hand. You may not like it, but you have to at least accept it." "This isn't a game of cards," Apollo said, annoyed by Starbuck's flippancy. "No, it isn't, but he sacrificed himself to protect her. You might be able to ignore that, but I can't." Starbuck was growing irritated by Apollo's refusal to recognize evidence that clearly indicated otherwise and getting stuck in one of his righteous ruts. "I can't believe you're defending him." "Neither can I, to tell the truth," Starbuck said and shook his head in disbelief. "But I'm willing to reconsider a few things." "This is what he wants," Apollo said, fervently seeking to justify his ar grand hall and to an alcove shadowed by ornamental trees. "Don't you think Council security might think it's odd for you to be sneaking around in the greenery?" Athena asked, strangely exhilarated in the night shadows next to him. "If they do, I'll just show them this." He tapped his medallion of office. He was still keeping a watch on other people exiting the building and on the lookout for the groundcar. When the black, sleek car with its small silver and black flags fluttering at the front corners pulled up, he tugged Athena's hand. "Hurry, let's go before the Caprican fleet catches up with us." "You've become quiet. Is anything wrong?" Athena asked later that evening as she and Baltar strolled along the garden pathways behind the Sagitaran embassy. Behind her, she could the muted music and the muffled society chatter escaping into the night air from the open veranda doors of the building. It was a more modest gathering then that being held at the Presidium. "No, nothing is wrong. You've just given me something to think about." He said, taking her hand. "I was just contemplating the ephemeral pleasantries of the evening." He paused on an ornamental bridge which spanned a small stream. Overhead swayed the branches of trees with the filigreed leaves and the aromatic scarlet blooms of spring. "It is lovely." "And you look so much a part of it." He slipped his arm around her shoulders, the wide sleeve of his robe enfolding her. "Couldn't that be said of anyone?" She asked, finding it almost hard to breath. "Yes," he answered, raising his glass with his free hand and taking a sip. "But there is something unique about this time of yahren; something joyful in the promise of hope, yet, at the same time, bittersweet." "Bittersweet?' "That the promise is fleeting, transient, that some aspirations will be fulfilled and others will be disappointed, and eventually the intoxicating freegument. "Oh, come on, Apollo." Starbuck retorted. "He didn't have time to think, or plot, or anything else other than to act on what was most important to him at that moment which, like it or not, was to protect Athena. I don't need to add that you provided the threat." "I didn't think she was going to - " "No, you didn't think," Adama cut him off. "Your sister is devastated." "Father, if you had seen - " Apollo protested. "I have seen it," Adama snapped, waving to the screen. "Several times in fact. "Did you know she had been that involved with him?" The look of disgust on Apollo's face was unmistakable. "Not until a few days ago." "Why didn't she say anything before?" "She was afraid of how I would take it. They were going to make it public the day after the Armistice," Adama said. "Did mother know?" "Yes, I believe Ila knew," Adama sighed, looking tired. "You're sister has had to be sedated. dium. "No, nothing is wrong. You've just given me something to think about." He said, taking her hand. "I was just contemplating the ephemeral pleasantries of the evening." He paused on an ornamental bridge which spanned a small stream. Overhead swayed the branches of trees with the filigreed leaves and the aromatic scarlet blooms of spring. "It is lovely." "And you look so much a part of it." He slipped his arm around her shoulders, the wide sleeve of his robe enfolding her. "Couldn't that be said of anyone?" She asked, finding it almost hard to breath. "Yes," he answered, raising his glass with his free hand and taking a sip. "But there is something unique about this time of yahren; something joyful in the promise of hope, yet, at the same time, bittersweet." "Bittersweet?' "That the promise is fleeting, transient, that some aspirations will be fulfilled and others will be disappointed, and eventually the intoxicating freedom of choices will pass." He gazed silently into the distance. Though his face was shadowed by the night, the light from the embassy allowed Athena to see the faint smile on his lips. She could also see something sad in his dark eyes. The breeze ruffled his hair and caressed her bare shoulders. With a slight shiver she leaned into the warmth of his enfolding arm and rested her head on his shoulder, her movement seeming to startle him. Setting his glass on the bridge railing, he stroked her hair letting the shining black strands slide through his fingers. A petal dropped from overhead onto her cheek and as he reached to brush it off, she lifted her head finding herself face to face with him. So close that she felt his breath upon her cheek. Whether it was inertia or the irresistible force of gravity of two bodies close together, she later couldn't say, but it was only natural that their lips met. . THE PAST - Caprica City When Athena delivered Council repWhat you did was inexcusable." "Father, I'm sorry, but - " Apollo began. "I don't want to hear it," Adama barked, cutting him off, the fury that every pilot dreaded being the target of evident in his voice." Starbuck suddenly wished he could be somewhere else but had to settle for remaining as still as possible in an effort to not draw attention to himself. "You could have killed Athena," Adama continued. "She's been through Hades this last yahren, even without your thoughtless action." "We've all been." Apollo's words trailed off under his father's icy glare. "I'm aware of that and aware that your sister has done all she could to help her family cope with their personal loses at the expense of her own. Where were we when she needed our understanding?" "We didn't know. There where other things that had to be dealt with." "We should have made time for her. We could have at least asked," Adama said, exhaustion evident in his voice and expdom of choices will pass." He gazed silently into the distance. Though his face was shadowed by the night, the light from the embassy allowed Athena to see the faint smile on his lips. She could also see something sad in his dark eyes. The breeze ruffled his hair and caressed her bare shoulders. With a slight shiver she leaned into the warmth of his enfolding arm and rested her head on his shoulder, her movement seeming to startle him. Setting his glass on the bridge railing, he stroked her hair letting the shining black strands slide through his fingers. A petal dropped from overhead onto her cheek and as he reached to brush it off, she lifted her head finding herself face to face with him. So close that she felt his breath upon her cheek. Whether it was inertia or the irresistible force of gravity of two bodies close together, she later couldn't say, but it was only natural that their lips met. . THE PAST - Caprica City When Athena delivered Council reports to Baltar the next morning, he appeared rather subdued when she entered his office. In fact, he seemed almost embarrassed when he saw her. "About last night, I apologize if I overstepped the bounds of propriety," he said, appearing genuinely concerned. "I didn't mind," she said. "You didn't?" He asked, giving her that slightly askew questioning look of his. "No, should I? It was sincere, wasn't it?" "I think it was," he mused, tapping the top of his desk. "I mean, it just happened; I rather surprised myself." "You're not certain?" Athena asked. If he didn't know, then who did? "I certainly didn't regret it afterwards," he said, looking up at her and grinning. "Then why are you apologizing?" she asked. "I'm worried that you may have been regretting last night's little escapade." "It was rather exciting." "Then.you would do it again?" Baltar asked with something like excitement in his dark eyes. ression. "It was Baltar," Apollo persisted. "This is not about him," Adama snapped. "This is about Athena. I've already lost too much of my family; I don't want to lose her also." "She wouldn't - not because of him - " Apollo stammered. "No, because of her own family's narrow-mindedness. Ila was right as she so often was." Adama appeared defeated as he lowered his gaze to his desktop. Starbuck risked a sideways glance at Apollo who appeared locked in an internal struggle with himself. Cassiopeia had been right. Without Ila, Adama had relied on Athena's unquestioning support and had subordinated her own feelings and needs to her father's. It had allowed Adama to focus on keeping the fleet together and making the needed decisions to keep the fleet from descending into bickering factions. Starbuck found himself feeling as bad as Adama looked. Athena had made efforts to turn to him after the Destruction, as confused and as in need of friendship as orts to Baltar the next morning, he appeared rather subdued when she entered his office. In fact, he seemed almost embarrassed when he saw her. "About last night, I apologize if I overstepped the bounds of propriety," he said, appearing genuinely concerned. "I didn't mind," she said. "You didn't?" He asked, giving her that slightly askew questioning look of his. "No, should I? It was sincere, wasn't it?" "I think it was," he mused, tapping the top of his desk. "I mean, it just happened; I rather surprised myself." "You're not certain?" Athena asked. If he didn't know, then who did? "I certainly didn't regret it afterwards," he said, looking up at her and grinning. "Then why are you apologizing?" she asked. "I'm worried that you may have been regretting last night's little escapade." "It was rather exciting." "Then.you would do it again?" Baltar asked with something like excitement in his dark eyes. "Are you planning on repeating it?" "I'd like to." He allowed his words to trail off as he watched her. "Why are you being so reticent now?" Athena asked. He had seemed so sure and confident in his actions. Why was he apparently retreating now? Did it really have anything to do with father? Or did men just act like this because of something she did personally? "Perhaps, I'm afraid that you'll refuse me," he murmured. Athena was surprised by his hesitancy and the slight ruddiness in his cheeks. "It's been awhile since I considered such a possibility.." His words faded. "Possibility of what?" "Of several things," he said, suddenly returning to his typical brisk cheerfulness. "Unfortunately, I have to deal with Council business first." "Do you need my help?" Athena asked. "I would like your help," Baltar said and indicated the side chair at his desk. Athena sat in what she was considering as her chair as he continued. "T anyone else, and he had made excuses to avoid her, thinking it had been something else. While he had had Cassie and even Apollo to confide in, Athena must have felt so alone under the strain to remain silent. "Father, you can't blame yourself," Apollo said, almost timidly. "What's past is past," Adama said, looking up with the resolve of someone who had made a decision and intended to carry it out. "I can't change that. However, I can make allowances now, hopefully, before it's too late." "What are you going to do?" "Ask Athena what she wants and then accept it." Adama stood and walked out of his quarters. Apollo started after him but Starbuck seized his arm, preventing him. "Starbuck, he can't," Apollo looked desperate. "If he does something like pardon Baltar, it would destroy the fleet." "Apparently the Commander has decided he needs Athena. Without her, I think the fleet would be in trouble anyway." "This would give "Are you planning on repeating it?" "I'd like to." He allowed his words to trail off as he watched her. "Why are you being so reticent now?" Athena asked. He had seemed so sure and confident in his actions. Why was he apparently retreating now? Did it really have anything to do with father? Or did men just act like this because of something she did personally? "Perhaps, I'm afraid that you'll refuse me," he murmured. Athena was surprised by his hesitancy and the slight ruddiness in his cheeks. "It's been awhile since I considered such a possibility.." His words faded. "Possibility of what?" "Of several things," he said, suddenly returning to his typical brisk cheerfulness. "Unfortunately, I have to deal with Council business first." "Do you need my help?" Athena asked. "I would like your help," Baltar said and indicated the side chair at his desk. Athena sat in what she was considering as her chair as he continued. "The Council is scheduled to take an extended recess to.hmmm.investigate certain possibilities." "They don't usually recess until the session is over, except for the usual secton day of rest." "That's true. I didn't know you were that familiar with the Council's habits." He gave her that inquiring glance of his. "Someone mentioned it to me when I received an orientation for this assignment," she said quickly. It was true in a way if she could consider her father's past Council sessions as an orientation. "Anyway, this creates a problem for me as I shall be out of contact with the Council and any comlines for several sectons during this recess. And I'm sure the rest of the Council will not be polite enough to suspend all business during my absence." "Why is this a problem?" "You've seen the amount of reports I receive." He smiled and patted the latest stack - the stack she had just delivered - on his desktop. "And I receive quite a bit over t the Council the opportunity they've been waiting for. They'll use it against him." "Well, I guess you should have had a better aim then; it would have solved a lot of problems if you had succeeded in killing Baltar." "We can still hope for that," Apollo said bitterly. "Yeah.I suppose if you wanted him to stay dead, you should have shot him where he couldn't receive immediate medical care." Starbuck gave him an ironic smirk. "That's not funny." "Doctor Salik isn't amused either from what Cassie told me. Apparently he likes his patients to be healed before having to patch them together again." "It was Baltar." "Yeah, we know, but Doctor Salik still takes pride in his work. You wouldn't like Salik giving up if it had been you. He's not looking forward to Siress Tinia returning to his Life Station and having to explain to her that he saved Baltar's life again." "That man has been granted more lives than a felis," Apollo mutthe Council is scheduled to take an extended recess to.hmmm.investigate certain possibilities." "They don't usually recess until the session is over, except for the usual secton day of rest." "That's true. I didn't know you were that familiar with the Council's habits." He gave her that inquiring glance of his. "Someone mentioned it to me when I received an orientation for this assignment," she said quickly. It was true in a way if she could consider her father's past Council sessions as an orientation. "Anyway, this creates a problem for me as I shall be out of contact with the Council and any comlines for several sectons during this recess. And I'm sure the rest of the Council will not be polite enough to suspend all business during my absence." "Why is this a problem?" "You've seen the amount of reports I receive." He smiled and patted the latest stack - the stack she had just delivered - on his desktop. "And I receive quite a bit over the system. Since I shall be out of contact, all of this will be waiting when I return." "What do you want me to do?" "I'd like you to keep them sorted, and, if you can remain awake, read them and prepare summaries." "That seems simple enough," Athena said. "Oh, you think so?" Baltar asked, raising his brows. "Dealing with data from all Twelve Colonies? At least I won't be here to distract you." He gave her one of his mischievous smiles. "Where are you going?" "Unfortunately, that is confidential Council business," he said, his smile fading, replaced by a dissatisfied expression. "I guess I shouldn't have asked." "No, it's quite all right. I can tell you that the Council is taking advantage of my family's shipping business. Since the business involves supplying outer colonies and outposts with supplies, and, naturally, returning with raw materials for the inner colonies, the Council feels that I would be ideal to pursue theirered. "Well, if you hadn't shot him, Salik wouldn't be having to - " Starbuck stopped as an idea came to him. Something else Cassie had mentioned. "Starbuck?" Apollo asked, confused. "Um.I've got to talk to Cassie," Starbuck said, trotted towards the door. He paused and looked back at Apollo. "Look, I'd invite you to come along, but I don't think Salik would be happy to see you at the moment." Starbuck dashed out the door. If he hurried, he might be able to catch up with Commander Adama. THE PRESENT - _Galactica_ (continued) A short time later in Doctor Salik's office in the Life Station, Starbuck, along with Cassiopeia, Adama, and Salik, held his breath as Siress Tinia received the news. "Baltar is dead?" Tinia asked, looking to Adama. "Doctor Salik has shown me the medical records," Adama answered. "Doctor, you can confirm this?" As her next subject of inquiry, Tinia turned to Salik. "Yes, I can. His bio-signs ceashe system. Since I shall be out of contact, all of this will be waiting when I return." "What do you want me to do?" "I'd like you to keep them sorted, and, if you can remain awake, read them and prepare summaries." "That seems simple enough," Athena said. "Oh, you think so?" Baltar asked, raising his brows. "Dealing with data from all Twelve Colonies? At least I won't be here to distract you." He gave her one of his mischievous smiles. "Where are you going?" "Unfortunately, that is confidential Council business," he said, his smile fading, replaced by a dissatisfied expression. "I guess I shouldn't have asked." "No, it's quite all right. I can tell you that the Council is taking advantage of my family's shipping business. Since the business involves supplying outer colonies and outposts with supplies, and, naturally, returning with raw materials for the inner colonies, the Council feels that I would be ideal to pursue their little matter." "Why is that?" she asked. "The Council feels an official delegation would draw unwarranted attention," Baltar continued, appearing to be uncomfortable about something, "and since I have some experience and logical reason to attend to this matter, the Council asked me to.um.gather some information for them. Off the record, of course." "If it's Council business - " "Haven't you realized by now that the Council works in mysterious ways?" He leaned closer to her, his voice dropping to that mock conspiratorial level of his. "It seems - well - devious," Athena said. "Why can't they conduct business openly?" "At the moment, this is not actual Council business. It is merely an inquiry into possible options that the Council may want to pursue." "That sounds like a politician talking." She smiled at him, a hint of teasing in her voice. "Yes," Baltar said, returning her smile, "contorted to the point of meaningless."ed yesterday evening." Salik handed her hard copies of the medical equipment's recordings. They were clearly marked with the date and time. Tinia glanced at them, giving particular attention to the graphical tracings. "I note the recordings end quite soon after the bio- signs fell to the zero-point." She said watching him closely. "As you informed me earlier, there was no reason to expend further time and resources on the man," Salik said. "Yes, I did." Tinia surveyed the others in the room, Starbuck and Cassiopeia. "We.uh.witnessed the event. It's hard to survive being shot with a laser pistol at close range," Starbuck said at his most ingenuous, bringing every skill he had honed at the Pyramid table to his effort. "I suppose I could ask to see the body," Tinia said slowly, giving them all careful scrutiny. "However, as I have numerous witnesses and no evidence to the contrary, it seems quite unnecessary." "If you feel so," Adama said. little matter." "Why is that?" she asked. "The Council feels an official delegation would draw unwarranted attention," Baltar continued, appearing to be uncomfortable about something, "and since I have some experience and logical reason to attend to this matter, the Council asked me to.um.gather some information for them. Off the record, of course." "If it's Council business - " "Haven't you realized by now that the Council works in mysterious ways?" He leaned closer to her, his voice dropping to that mock conspiratorial level of his. "It seems - well - devious," Athena said. "Why can't they conduct business openly?" "At the moment, this is not actual Council business. It is merely an inquiry into possible options that the Council may want to pursue." "That sounds like a politician talking." She smiled at him, a hint of teasing in her voice. "Yes," Baltar said, returning her smile, "contorted to the point of meaningless." He paused and then sighed. "I'm sorry, but I am bound by Council edict to maintain confidentiality." "I think I understand," she said. "Sometimes.sometimes in the fleet, the officers feel it is better not to give full details of a mission to all Warriors." "Really?" Baltar asked, resting his elbows on his desk and propping his chin up with his hands, giving her all his attention. "How do they know what to do?" "Oh, they're given details of their individual missions and the objectives of their own squadron. It's just felt that it might be too much information and too confusing if they knew what every squadron was doing. It might lead to one squadron interfering with another squadron's operation." "Ah, I see you paid attention at the Academy and now you're in the process of applying all that theory to real life applications." "I'm trying," she said, feeling as if she needed his approval. "I think you're doing marvelously well," he smiled and sto "Then I shall report as such to the Council." Tinia said and gave Adama a warm smile. "I'm sure I will be able to convince them that further inquiries in this area will not be necessary." "I'm sure you will," Adama replied graciously. "I thank you for your understanding in this matter." "As a fellow member of the Council, I believe it beneficial to be able to discuss such matters. I would be more than happy to convey to you the Council's reaction to this turn of events if you would like to meet later.in private." "I would appreciate that, Siress," Adama said, with a slight inclination of his head. "Until then," Tinia said, and left the Life Station. "Did she just.?" Starbuck whispered to Cassie. "Lieutenant, that is private Council business," Adama said, hearing him. "Yes, sir," Starbuck answered. However, he noted a certain glimmer in Adama's eyes that suggested a shade more than simple relief. He paused and then sighed. "I'm sorry, but I am bound by Council edict to maintain confidentiality." "I think I understand," she said. "Sometimes.sometimes in the fleet, the officers feel it is better not to give full details of a mission to all Warriors." "Really?" Baltar asked, resting his elbows on his desk and propping his chin up with his hands, giving her all his attention. "How do they know what to do?" "Oh, they're given details of their individual missions and the objectives of their own squadron. It's just felt that it might be too much information and too confusing if they knew what every squadron was doing. It might lead to one squadron interfering with another squadron's operation." "Ah, I see you paid attention at the Academy and now you're in the process of applying all that theory to real life applications." "I'm trying," she said, feeling as if she needed his approval. "I think you're doing marvelously well," he smiled and stood up. "Now, let's change places." He assisted her into his own high- backed black chair behind the desk. He leaned over her and brought up the system on the console incorporated into the desktop. "I'll show you how this system works, so you can keep track of my Council missive while I'm away." "How? I don't have access to your system," Athena said, acutely aware of his presence over her shoulder. She could even feel his breath on her cheek as he spoke. "I'll give you my keycodes." Baltar said, while entering them. "But what about security protocols?" She was appalled by his willingness to just hand them over to her. "What about them? I trust you." "How do you know you can trust me?" "One," he said, sitting in the side chair and began counting off on his fingers, "I feel I can trust you. Two, since you were assigned to be my liaison, you likely have a security authorization comparable to mine. Three, I'm sure Council Security monitor